METRO Retail Stores Group Inc. has strengthened its presence in Eastern Visayas with the opening of a new store in Biliran province, underscoring the company's strategy of expanding beyond major urban centers to tap growth in regional markets.
It said the new Metro Naval store, located in the provincial capital of Naval, would serve as a one-stop retail destination offering supermarket, department store and home lifestyle products under one roof.
The opening brought Metro Retail's nationwide network to 83 stores and marks its 12th outlet in Eastern Visayas.
Company President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Orense said the expansion reflected the company's commitment to help developing provinces improve their access to modern retail services.
"Metro Naval represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve," Orense said, adding that the opening of their latest store was part of efforts to ensure that families in provinces like Biliran “have access to quality and affordable retail options while also creating opportunities that contribute to local economic growth."
The company said the new store was expected to generate employment opportunities and strengthen partnerships with local suppliers, vendors and other stakeholders in the province.
Metro Retail is owned and controlled by the Gaisano family of Cebu. Its parent entity, Vicsal Development Corp., owns 76.62 percent of the publicly listed firm, which operates stores under several formats, including Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle.
The company said it remained focused on further expansion of its retail business while pursuing sustainable growth and strong corporate governance.
Metro Retail shares on Tuesday closed unchanged at P1.10 each.
