A sari-sari store is a small, neighborhood, family-owned convenience shop found throughout the Philippines. "Sari-sari" is Tagalog for "variety" or "sundry," reflecting the wide assortment of daily, affordable essentials sold, such as single-serve snacks, toiletries, canned goods, rice, and cold drinks.
In rural areas, the stores act as trading centers where farmers and fishermen trade their products for basic articles, fuel, and other supplies. The owners can buy grocery commodities in bulk, and then sell them in-store at a mark-up. Trucks deliver LPG tanks and soft drinks directly to the store.
Sari-sari stores are endemic to the Philippines. It is the lifeblood of urban and rural communities. Their ubiquitous presence represents not only economic and social importance but cultural importance, as well.
It's usually operating someone's home or a small stand. Sari-sari stores sell everyday essentials in small, affordable quantities, like snacks, canned goods, instant noodles, rice, toiletries, soft drinks, cigarettes, and even household items.
The number 1 reason why sari-sari stores fail and 5 tips for your business to succeed
How much does it cost to start a sari-sari store?
A sari-sari store might seem small, but don't underestimate the startup costs. Depending on your product mix, the initial capital typically ranges from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000.
Which business is most profitable in the Philippines?
1. Online Selling. Online selling, often called e-commerce, has emerged as one of the Philippines' most lucrative small business opportunities. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has observed a remarkable surge in Filipino online retailers, soaring from around 2,000 to over 2 million in recent years.
Capital. – Starting a small business needs capital. This is the first thing to consider before anything else. Whether you use your savings, your retirement money or some borrowed funds, the capital needed varies from P15,000 – P25,000 depending on the goods and merchandise you are selling.
Electronics and gadgets are among the most high-demand products in the Philippines. From smartphones and laptops to smart home devices, the demand for high-quality electronics remains strong. Keep an eye on the latest technological advancements and popular trends in the Philippines to cater to tech-savvy consumers.
Owners often face issues like limited funds, unstable supply chains, and competition from larger companies that can offer lower prices and better promotions. These challenges make it difficult for store owners to keep profits and sustain their operations, especially when resources and business knowledge are scarce.
Walmart, Amazon and Costco are the top three retailers, respectively, in the National Retail Federation's annual list of Top 100 Retailers which ranks the industry's largest companies according to 2024 U.S. sales.
Christian's Sari-Sari Store is a small convenience store in the Philippines selling basic commodities. The vision is to satisfy customers with a unique shopping experience offering quality, variety, price and service. Target customers are neighbors within the community.
something i read: SARI-SARI STORE - or general store (or sundry store) is a neighborhood convenience store originally found in the Philippines. The word “sari- sari” is Tagalog meaning "variety" (or "sundry" meaning “various kinds”).
To attract more customers and keep them coming back, consider offering value-added services. You can integrate services like mobile phone top-ups, bills payment, or even small-scale remittance services. These additional services can turn your sari-sari store into a one-stop shop for your community.
What is the Philippines' biggest source of income?
Services. The service sector is the principal single component of the Philippine economy, contributing more than two-fifths of GDP and employing more than one-third of the country's labour force.
The 5-4-3-2-1 grocery method is a viral TikTok trend for balanced, easy meal planning, guiding you to buy 5 vegetables, 4 fruits, 3 proteins, 2 grains/carbs, and 1 fun treat (or 2 sauces/spreads + 1 treat) for the week, simplifying shopping by focusing on food groups rather than specific recipes, allowing for flexibility while ensuring a variety of nutrients.
Your business will need to meet its federal, state, and local tax obligations to stay in good legal standing. Your business structure and location will influence which taxes your business has to pay.
Some mistakes that business owners make include: Not having written contracts. Relying on poorly-designed partner or investor agreements. Failing to realize how many government entities regulate different aspects of running a business.
