The new ‘My SM’: How the Filipino consumer is redefining the mall experience

Customers continue to be the transformation driver for SM Supermalls.

Following undisrupted foot traffic and positive business performance in the first half of 2026, the mall operating arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has noted three key factors that maintained market interest despite scaled consumption patterns earlier in the year.

“Filipinos kept showing up for family, passions, and the moments that matter,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “SM remained a trusted constant, creating more ways to celebrate, connect, play, and discover, while evolving alongside how Filipinos now live. That is the heart of ‘My SM’ — evolving alongside our customers so every mall feels personal, inclusive, and built around what they love most.”

Expanded and Reinvented Spaces

In the first half of the year, SM cemented its status as the country’s largest mall-based pickleball destination, expanding its network to 86 courts across 29 malls. Driven by surging market interest in active lifestyles, SM Supermalls and the SM Active Hub continue to scale up facilities nationwide while hosting community events like the inaugural SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge, culminating in its July 2026 Grand Finals.

Additionally, customers continually sought new and exciting entertainment concepts. With the launch of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the Visayan market has been enhanced with a new world-class entertainment venue that can host up to 25,000 guests. Rising worldwide act and Filipino pop girl group BINI inaugurated the launch.

SM Cinemas has also captured a revitalized market of movie-goers amid back-to-back blockbuster and sleeper hits from both big-name studios and indie production houses. The launch of its exclusive ScreenX format late last year provided local movie-goers with a unique and immersive cinematic experience that hosted 2026’s anticipated movies such as Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, most recent sought-after screening being Spider-Man: Brand-New Day.

Meanwhile purpose-driven concepts introduced a revolutionary approach to utilizing mall spaces. With the inaugural launch of the SM Sensory Lab done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), SM has created a safe environment for mallgoers and visitors struggling with sensory processing challenges.

To further support the country’s pursuit of sustainable and modern transportation alternatives amid the fuel crisis, SM has also expanded its nationwide network of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations with 100% coverage across its 90 malls.

From sensory-friendly spaces to green transit, these reinvented facilities reflect how “My SM” is designed to accommodate every shopper’s unique needs and values.

Reimagined Customer Experiences

To meet growing customer appetite for first-in-market and unique food experiences, SM continually elevated its Food Hall concepts nationwide, promoting regional fare and local food businesses through high-foot traffic dining spaces.

SM also expanded market access to global and local brands through a variety of new and exclusive food and retail launches.

Madrid’s famous San Ginés Chocolatería in SM Podium, Super Matcha in SM Megamall and Candid Coffee in SM Mall of Asia captured growing market demand for cafés and confectionary offerings. Additionally, the introduction of international clothing icons icons Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister expanded access for local fashionistas to fresh and trendy outfit options.

By bringing global brands and curated local food concepts to neighborhood hubs, SM ensures that “My SM” is as much a personalized lifestyle destination as it is a shopping center.

Enhanced Market Engagement

With the launch of its “Gala to the Max” campaign, SM sought to engage mallgoers by empowering them as storytellers, driving massive social engagement with tens of millions of video views.

Pop culture fans and enthusiasts lived out their passions with exclusive pop-ups executed across SM Malls, such as the Pokémon Center pop-up in SM Mall of Asia and Animazing North’s 6^th edition, featuring an interactive installation for Solo Leveling.

Reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural exchange, SM Mall of Asia hosted the NHCP’s HistoEx 2026 in celebration of Buwan ng Kasaysayan. The three-day exposition brought history to life through interactive exhibits, public lectures, and immersive installations celebrating the country’s maritime heritage.

SM also supported active lifestyles through its SM Active Hub exclusive events, with tens of thousands of participants filling the streets for major running events like the Galaxy Manila Marathon on EDSA and the SM2SM race in Cebu.

Whether running a marathon on EDSA, celebrating fandoms, or creating viral content, shoppers are actively shaping their own “My SM” moments and sharing them with the community.

The mall operator launched SM Zamboanga as its latest retail property in Mindanao in the first quarter and plans to cap off 2026 with the opening of its upscale mall in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa before the year’s end.

As Filipino lifestyle habits continue to move toward wellness, connection, and meaningful experiences, SM Supermalls continues to adapt — giving every Filipino a space they can truly call “My SM.”

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to [email protected].

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.