The Libis store is targeted to open in November 2026 under Shopwise’s new positioning as the destination for International Grocery Shopping, while retaining its big-format format.
“It will be the flagship reopening of the brand’s expansion. The brand has strong equity here. Customers remembered it and were loyal to it,” said Christine Tueres, managing director for big formats at Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace and Shopwise.
“That foundation means we’re also not starting from zero in terms of brand awareness – we’re reclaiming market position,” she added.
What happened before?
The reopening also marks a full-circle moment for the brand. Shopwise left the Libis site in 2017 under its previous management before the location was later converted into an AllDay supermarket.
In 2018, Robinsons Retail acquired Rustan Supercenters Inc., adding Shopwise to its portfolio and setting the stage for the supermarket chain’s renewed expansion.
Why Libis?
“The Libis corridor has experienced significant growth, with increased residential developments, office spaces, and a larger catchment of customers seeking convenient, value-driven shopping,” Tueres said.
“Second, reopening in Libis allows Shopwise to re-establish its presence in a market where the brand already enjoys strong recognition and customer loyalty, rather than building awareness from the ground up,” she added.
Market response
Readers have responded positively after InsiderPH first broke the news of Shopwise’s return to Libis.
“Good space to compete against [S&R]. I hope they bring great options and imported brands,” Loren Dela Cruz said in a social media post.
Máe Mina says, “My go-to grocery when I was working in Libis in the early 2000s.”
International grocery focus
The Libis store will reopen as Shopwise’s latest big-format supermarket, with stores typically ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square meters.
Robinsons Retail said details on the investment and final floor area will be announced later.
“As part of Robinsons Retail, Shopwise offers a broad assortment of groceries, general merchandise and lifestyle essentials from trusted local and international brands. We’re positioning this format for customers who value discovery, quality, and value – all without the friction of membership program,” Tueres said.
What’s next
Shopwise said it is taking a disciplined approach as it evaluates new store locations.
“Shopwise’s expansion strategy focuses on select metropolitan and provincial markets where we see strong demand for international grocery shopping and where our big-format model is a strong fit,” Tueres said.
“We continue to evaluate new opportunities while taking a disciplined approach to expansion. We’ll share updates on future store openings as plans are finalized,” she added.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
