FamilyMart Goes Mini, Is This the Future of Convenience Stores?

FamilyMart said it opened Wednesday its first ever "compact" stores in the Philippines to adapt to changing consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. All three outlets are located in Cebu province where it is expanding.

The compact stores will cater to motorists and surrounding communities, said FamilyMart's parent, Phoenix Petroleum. The fuel retailer is controlled by businessman Dennis Uy.

A franchisee will open the mini branches in Phoenix V Rama and Phoenix Banilad. A standalone store will open in Banawa, Phoenix told the stock exchange.

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The compact concept for the Japanese-branded convenience store chain underscores how retail has changed due to seventh-month-old virus quarantines that are not ending soon.

Mang Inasal founder Edgar "Injap" Sia said he would test a "dark grocery" concept that exists only to serve online customers and is not linked to a physical store.

Shopping malls have also opened pick-up points for purchases and open-air drive through conemas.

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