Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) acting Secretary Cristina Roque expressed appreciation for SM Malls’ efforts to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the much-needed exposure to promote their products.
The initiative involves allocating prime spaces within SM malls for MSMEs, allowing them to showcase their products and reach a wider customer base.
“This is a very big, big deal for the MSME,” Roque said, highlighting the potential impact of this initiative.
SM offers spaces in its 83 malls for MSMEs to set up shop. The long-term plan is to construct dedicated MSME areas on the ground floor of these malls, traditionally occupied by big brands. SM aims to give MSMEs greater visibility and access to high foot traffic.
Roque said the initiative serves as a pilot move to allow MSMEs a permanent space within SM Malls in the future.
She said the space is not free, but SM offered to reduce lease by 50 percent.
Roque and the SM team observe regular updates on the performance of MSMEs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive.
SM Investments Corp. vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson also expressed her intention to build a hub for MSMEs to showcase their products.
MSMEs will have the opportunity to display their products at SM’s Kultura stores, department stores, food courts and grocery sections.
The initiative is already underway, with some areas at Mega Mall being constructed specifically for MSMEs. Sy-Coson said this is a way of giving back and supporting the MSME sector.
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