ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) is testing a new premium convenience store format in Boracay, combining grocery retail, ready-to-eat meals and foodservice as it explores opportunities to expand into tourism-oriented locations.
The company will open the first Little Marketplace on Oct. 30 at Henann Crystal Sands Resort in Station 1 under its premium supermarket brand, The Marketplace. The opening will include a community fun run, a matcha and coffee event, and a sunset DJ session.
The new format is designed for destinations with a mix of tourists and local residents, offering everyday essentials, imported products, fresh food, beverages and travel necessities all within a compact store.
A key feature is its Pick & Grill offering, which allows customers to select premium meat cuts, including Canadian ribeye and Greater Omaha steaks from the United States, for on-site grilling. The store will also have a bar serving cocktails, draft beer and wine.
Diana Prince Ang, deputy general manager of The Marketplace, said the concept responds to changing shopping habits in tourism and lifestyle destinations.
“Little Marketplace reimagines what a convenience store can be by creating a more curated and experiential environment for customers,” Ang said.
“We wanted to develop a format that feels relevant to how people shop and spend their time in Boracay while providing greater convenience for both residents and tourists.”
Christine Tueres, managing director of food segments for big formats at RRHI, said the company sees opportunities in combining convenience retail with elevated food and beverage offerings.
“The concept brings together quality food, curated selections and convenience in a format designed around the needs of today’s travelers and communities. We believe this format addresses growing demand for premium yet accessible retail and dining experiences,” Tueres said.
Little Marketplace will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Tueres adding that Boracay will serve as the pilot location for the new format, which could be adapted to other markets and destination locations.
RRHI, which voluntarily delisted from the Philippine Stock Exchange at the end of August following a tender offer from its largest shareholder, JE Holdings Inc., operates a range of retail formats across the Philippines.
The launch of Little Marketplace adds a premium convenience concept to its portfolio and extends The Marketplace beyond its traditional supermarket business.
