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Friday, March 29, 2024

SM celebrates 60th year

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Filipinos’ favorite shopping mall SM celebrates its 60th Anniversary with a series of exciting themed attractions, fun experiences, and interactive activities for its customers in SM malls nationwide from May to October. 

SM senior vice president for marketing Millie Dizon (right) with Tonichi Nocom

The celebrations kicked off last week with the lighting of the iconic Mall of Asia globe which was attended by SM executives, businessmen, celebrities, and other personalities.

Sandy Prieto Romualdez and Tessa Prieto-Valdes

The SM story began in 1958 when founder Henry Sy, Sr. opened the first Shoemart store in downtown Manila, introducing exciting new merchandising and retailing concepts. At that time, Sy, who has been honored as the Father of Philippine Retail by the Philippine Retailers Association, thought that if he could sell a pair of shoes to every Filipino, he could be a successful man.

Jollibee’s William Tan-Untiong with SM’s SAVP for mall-based units Froilan Manotok

In the 1960s, Shoemart expanded its shoe store chain and became one of the pioneers in the new urban centers in Makati and Cubao.

McDonald’s Kenneth Yang and wife Cindy

In the ‘70s, Shoemart evolved into a department store, becoming SM, which has been synonymous with the one-stop shopping experience. SM positioned itself for growth in the 1980s, expanding its department store chain and venturing into the supermarket and appliance business.

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SM chairman for Executive Committee Hans T. Sy (right) and SM chief operating officer Steven Tan (left) welcome Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho during the SM’s 60th Anniversary.

The year 1985 saw the opening of the first SM shopping center, SM City North Edsa. It was a time of a major political and economic crisis, but the mall was an instant success, paving way for the so-called malling phenomenon in the Philippines. Malls became part of the Filipino lifestyle, places where families and friends could shop together, dine together, and have fun together.

Mrs. Felicidad T. Sy and Mara Coson

Today, SM has close to a thousand retail stores, 70 malls in the Philippines, and seven malls in China.

Through its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, it has also become a leading developer of residential condominiums in Metro Manila. Through SM Hotels and Conventions, the company now owns and operates world-class hotels, a state-of-the-art arena, convention and exhibition centers, and premier beach and mountain resorts. 

SM chairman for Executive Committee Hans T. Sy (left), SM Markets vice chair Herbert T. Sy (2nd from left), SM Investments vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson (3rd from left), and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. president Elizabeth T. Sy (right) during the ceremonial toast at the launch of SM’s 60th anniversary celebration at the SM Mall of Asia.

SM’s main bank, BDO is the country’s largest bank in terms of resources, deposits, and loans.

Through SM Foundation, SM reaches out to communities with its educational, health, and livelihood training programs aimed at making farmers self-sufficient.

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