Major Philippine mall chains including SM, Robinsons, Ayala, and Megaworld announced shorter operating hours starting March 30 in response to the country's National Energy Emergency.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines' major mall operators announced on Thursday evening, March 26, shorter operating hours starting Monday, March 30, to support power conservation amid the National Energy Emergency. The move affects over 190 malls nationwide. SM Supermalls, the largest chain owned by the Sy family with 90 locations, will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It typically opens at 10 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 10 p.m. on weekends. “This strategic shift is a direct response to the urgent need for nationwide power conservation. By adjusting daily opening times, SM Supermalls aims to significantly reduce demand on the national grid,” SM Supermalls said in a statement. Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, added: “SM is proactively adapting to the current situation by adjusting our operating hours. We remain committed to delivering elevated retail experiences for all Filipinos, supported by our increased use of renewable energy to power our malls.” Robinsons Land Corporation of the Gokongwei Group, operating 53 malls, set weekday hours to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., shortened by one or two hours depending on the mall. Weekends remain 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. “This proactive measure supports ongoing efforts to address the National Energy Emergency and contribute to the responsible management of power consumption across the country,” Robinsons Malls stated. Ayala Land of the Zobel de Ayala family, with 30 malls, similarly adjusted weekdays to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., while weekends stay 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. “We’re making a slight adjustment to mall hours in support of national efforts to help manage the energy situation,” it said in a social media post. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls of tycoon Andrew Tan, with 18 sites, also announced shorter hours varying by location, including reduced cinema schedules.
