SM Malls, the shopping mall chain of the Sy Group, said the average daily foot traffic across its shopping malls increased 21.2 percent to more than 4 million in the first quarter of 2024 from 3.3 million in the same period last year.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan attributed the significant growth in average mall traffic to the enhanced mall activities that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
“The increase in foot traffic reflects our steadfast commitment to meeting the daily needs and wants of our customers. Our malls serve as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail services with vibrant entrepreneurial environments,” Tan said in a statement Wednesday.
SM Malls said that as discretionary spending trends shift, Filipino consumers are increasingly frequenting malls for leisure and dining.
Food tenants now occupy 30 percent of leased mall space, up from 10 percent a decade ago, while non-food tenants, including entertainment, account for 50 percent. Additional service-oriented tenants complement the diverse offerings.
One of SM Malls’ recent innovations is the Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison, an immersive art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays.
It also supports fandom communities, catering to enthusiasts of K-pop, anime and artists. SM aims to be the preferred venue for these fan gatherings of all ages and backgrounds.
Cosplay City, recently launched at SM City Fairview, serves as a creative hub for the community, featuring multiple themed zones with toy exhibits and anime-inspired decor reminiscent of Tokyo City, ideal for social media posts
SM Mall of Asia’s flagship Game Park, unveiled in November 2023, offers a 1,947-square-meter indoor entertainment complex with amenities like bowling, basketball, e-darts and an indoor archery range, catering to diverse interests.
“We continue to innovate and create memorable experiences through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping,” Tan said.
