Malls in Philippines unlikely to follow US stores to extinction

Oct 23, 2017Updated Oct 23, 20171 min read

Malls in the Philippines are unlikely to be replaced by online channels soon, as millennials seeking to spend on experiences drive demand for restaurant space, a property consultant said Monday.

Food and beverage now account for 40 percent of mall space, compared to 60 percent for retail. The sector used to account for just 20 percent, according to data from Leechiu Property Consultants.

“These malls in Asia have one thing in common, they are utilitarian malls,” said the consulting firm’s CEO, David Leechiu.

Malls in the Philippines, unlike in the US, are very accessible to consumers, located in “high-density” areas with office and residential buildings.

Citing a Credit Suisse study, Leechiu said 20 to 25 percent of malls in the US may close in the next 5 years as online shopping grows.

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Mei Ling Tan

Contributor · RetailNews.asia

Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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