Manila: The Sy family’s convenience store chain, Alfamart, is focusing on fostering inclusive growth by partnering with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and offering them spaces within their stores.

According to Philippines News Agency, SM Investments Corp. announced that Alfamart’s latest collaboration is with Laundry Express, a self-service laundry shop that operates over 52 outlets nationwide. This partnership adds to Alfamart’s existing collaborations with MSMEs such as Coco Fresh Tea and Juice and Potato Corner.

Alfamart Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer, Harvey Ong, stated, “As we grow, we want our communities to grow with us. By offering spaces within our stores for MSMEs, we empower local businesses while enhancing the overall shopping experience for our customers.”

This year, Alfamart aims to open 200 new stores in Luzon, following a plan to conclude 2024 with 2,100 outlets and create 2,500 jobs. The convenience store chain is already operating in 11 provinces, including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pangasinan, and Zambales, as well as 15 cities in Metro Manila.

Ong emphasized, “Fostering inclusive growth, creating more business and employment opportunities, and bringing modern minimart convenience to the communities remain our priority as we enter our second decade of service to the Filipino people.”