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Capitalizing on the country’s continued economic optimism, Cebu-based retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) marked its 35th year of operation with 6.5 percent sales growth for 2016.
 
The company noted that higher disposable incomes of consumers are expected to contribute further to the growth of the retail sector.

“Retail remains one of the most vibrant industries locally,” said MRSGI chairman and chief executive officer Frank Gaisano during the company’s Annual Stockholders Meeting held in Mandani Bay, Mandaue City.

“We have been able to deftly leverage on opportunities so we can look back with pride at our three and a half decade journey to become one of the leading names in the Philippine retail industry,” he said.

In 2016, MRSGI inaugurated four stores, expanding its total Gross Floor Area (GFA) to 440,000 square meters, and strengthened its partnerships with top developers such as Ayala Land, Inc.
 
“Our expansion and partnerships enable MRSGI to consistently grow its footprint and serve more customers,” said Gaisano.

Recently, MRSGI opened its 51st store in Canduman, Mandaue City. In the second quarter of 2017, the company will begin construction of seven new stores in line with the company’s goal to double its 2015 GFA by 2020.

MRSGI’s net sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 grew to 7.4 percent compared to the 6.1 percent increase in the first three quarters and 11.6 percent for the same period in 2015, as numerous operational enhancements were put into place, resulting in a notable upswing in its hypermarket format.

To further streamline its operations, MRSGI is beefing up its logistics and supply chain modernization program to ensure timely delivery of goods and improvement in overall cost efficiency.
 
Aside from shifting to in-house management of its warehouses, MRSGI also embarked on systems modernization by opening up facilities, improving processes in its operations, ensuring optimized use of retail management software and investing on greater personnel capabilities.

“We believe innovation and investments in our people, operations and processes are important in improving our business model,” said Arthur Emmanuel, president and COO.

In line with its corporate social responsibility efforts, MRSGI partnered with local government units in its Solid Waste Management for Sustainable Livelihood Program.
 
The company also partnered with Caritas Manila Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Philippines for its community service programs.

Metro stores are present in key cities in Central, Western and Eastern Visayas, as well as in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and South Luzon.