Metro celebrates 36th year in retail
Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. celebrates its 36 years in the retail industry with a renewed commitment to its partners and communities where they operate. The company recognizes the significant role stakeholders play in its consistent growth and expansion.
Tracing its beginnings in Cebu as a humble department store and supermarket established by Victor and Sally Gaisano, MRSGI has secured a strong foothold as a multi-format retailer trusted and patronized by Filipino consumers. Currently, MRSGI operates 51 stores in Central, Western and Eastern Visayas as well as in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and South Luzon. The company is well on its way to achieving its target of doubling its 2015 gross floor area by 2020.
Alongside its continued success, the company also commits to making a positive and lasting impact to surrounding communities where Metro Retail department stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets are present through its Metro Efforts To Reach Out CSR program. Throughout the years, MRSGI has expanded the scope of its corporate social responsibility initiatives to benefit more people in the areas of education, employment, livelihood, environment, and community outreach.
The company supports the educational assistance program of Vicsal Foundation and has partnered with Caritas Manila to aid additional scholars under the Caritas Youth Servant Leadership Education Program (YSLEP).
In terms of providing livelihood, career fairs are occasionally held to bridge customers to various opportunities for work. Under the Skills Training and Employment Program (STEP), Metro has also launched a series of baking workshops through its ancillary business, Suisse Cottage. Formally kicked off at Metro Supermarket Alabang, the project, in coordination with local government units, provides free lecture and hands on training in baking basic delicacies. Participants gained baking knowledge and skills that open opportunities for employment or setting up their own businesses.
Establishing beneficial partnerships with select institutions that share its values, Metro has also teamed up with GreenEarth Heritage Foundation, a non-government organization providing livelihood for farmers to help alleviate poverty. GreenEarth’s Moringa Tea and Moringa Powder products are showcased in the shelves in Metro Supermarkets, and proceeds of the sales go back to benefit farmers and their families.
Metro also supports Caritas Margins, a physical store where the general public may purchase and support products of micro-entrepreneurs from select communities. Derived from the term “marginalized,” the Caritas Margins program hopes to contribute in alleviating poverty. The Caritas Margins 18 products have received BFAD certification for best quality and product safety for including vinegar, cassava chips, crispy mushrooms, and turmeric tea among others. These products and more are available in Metro stores.
Metro continues to affirm its commitment to outstanding service, and enhance the dual role it plays, as a retail provider to customers, and as a vital partner of its communities.
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