Philippine supermarkets on Thursday announced shortened business hours, effective March 30, following the country’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency.
SM Supermalls, the mall operating unit of Sy-led SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) which has 90 branches across the country, said the renovation aims to support energy conservation across the country by significantly reducing the demand on the national grid.
“SM tends to adapt to the current situation by adjusting our operating hours,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.
“We are committed to delivering a superior experience for all Filipinos, supported by our increased use of renewable energy to power our malls,” he added.
The new SM mall hours are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.
Robinsons Malls, which has 53 branches operated by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) led by Gokongwei, also announced its nationwide renovation as a way to contribute to the “proper management of electricity consumption” across the country.
“Through daily retail operations, Robinsons Malls aims to help reduce demand on the national grid while continuing to provide a safe, comfortable, and high-quality retail environment for its shoppers,” the statement said.
Robinsons Malls opened its doors from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Mallgoers are advised to check the opening hours of their preferred locations through the official website and social media channels of Robinsons Malls.
Opus Mall, RLC’s luxury mall at Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Quezon City, will be open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
30 branches of Ayala Malls, owned by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, also reduced its hours on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while weekdays remain from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
At the 18 branches of Andrew Tan led by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the operating hours differ from each mall.
Cinema hours have also been changed from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Monday and Tuesday, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday. However, the mall said schedules may vary from branch to branch and advised goers to check the official website.
Vista Malls led by Villar, which has more than 30 locations across the country, similarly, reduced its hours from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.
Nine branches of Starmalls, under Vistamalls Inc., have also adjusted their hours. The mall will be open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a national emergency on Tuesday because of the war in the Middle East, disrupting the country’s fuel and energy supplies.
Under Executive Order (EO) 110, the Department of Energy (DoE) is expected to provide measures to control the electricity supply, including fuel efficiency programs, load balancing, and stricter enforcement of conservation efforts. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
