Sari-sari stores serve as lifelines amid Luzon monsoon flooding

Insider Spotlight

• Bulacan retailers suffer sharp losses as median sales among megastores plunge 33 percent during severe monsoon flooding
• Sari-sari store owners increase restocking orders by as much as 18 percent despite consumers reducing spending
• Micro-retailers strengthen community resilience by maintaining essential supplies amid disrupted transportation and logistics
  
  
  
  

Neighborhood sari-sari stores emerged as critical supply lifelines during severe monsoon flooding across Luzon, with retailers increasing inventory purchases despite declining consumer spending, according to a Packworks.io study.

The Filipino technology startup analyzed transactions from July 10 to September 9, 2026, covering flood-affected municipalities in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pangasinan, and Tarlac.

By the numbers

Bulacan recorded the steepest disruption, with median gross merchandise value (GMV) among megastores falling 33 percent to P238,340.60. Transaction counts declined 18 percent, while smaller sari-sari stores experienced a 28 percent sales contraction.

Larger Bulacan establishments collectively gained P1 million in GMV as consumers shifted toward better-stocked outlets, while smaller retailers collectively lost P1 million.

The bigger picture

Consumer basket sizes contracted 12 percent in Metro Manila, 8 percent in Pangasinan, and 7.6 percent in Tarlac.

Conversely, retailers increased restocking purchases by 18 percent in Pangasinan, 17 percent in Metro Manila, 15 percent in Tarlac, and 8 percent in Bulacan.

"Our data reveals a fascinating divergence during climate shocks: while end-consumers tighten their belts and make smaller, 'tingi' purchases, sari-sari store owners do the exact opposite by placing significantly larger restocking orders," Packworks chief data officer Andoy Montiel said.

On the ground

Interviews with Bulacan retailers revealed temporary closures, shortened operating hours, and emergency restocking whenever floodwaters subsided.

Cigarettes remained the leading product category, followed by detergent, powdered coffee, shampoo, and conditioner.

Government relief packages largely covered food necessities, leaving neighborhood stores to supply other essentials, particularly cleaning products.

Why it matters

Packworks co-founder Ibba Bernardo emphasized that sari-sari stores serve as frontline community responders when larger businesses suspend operations.

The findings highlight the importance of digital tools, accessible financing, and reliable logistics in strengthening neighborhood retailers against increasingly disruptive weather events.

Packworks currently supports more than 370,000 sari-sari stores nationwide through digital solutions designed to improve business resilience and operational efficiency. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma