Robinsons Retail To Launch Little Marketplace In Boracay

The Marketplace, the premium supermarket banner of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), is set to enter the premium convenience retail segment with the launch of Little Marketplace, its first convenience store concept, opening on Oct. 30 at Henann Crystal Sands Resort in Boracay's Station 1.

The new format represents The Marketplace’s latest retail innovation, combining premium grocery selections, ready-to-eat meals, travel essentials, and foodservice offerings in a compact footprint tailored for tourism and leisure destinations.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve toward convenience, accessibility, and experience-driven retail, Little Marketplace is designed to address the needs of both residents and visitors while creating a differentiated model that extends beyond the traditional convenience store format.

Expanding the premium retail experience

Strategically located along Boracay's beachfront, Little Marketplace will offer a curated assortment of everyday essentials, premium imported products, fresh food, beverages, and travel necessities, providing customers with convenient access to quality products throughout their stay on the island.

The concept builds on The Marketplace’s established reputation for premium merchandise, curated local and international selections, and elevated shopping experiences while introducing a new retail format designed for high-traffic tourism destinations.

A key feature of the concept is its integrated foodservice component. Through its Pick & Grill offering, guests can select premium cuts such as Canadian Ribeye and Greater Omaha steaks from the United States, which are grilled and served on-site.

Complementing the food offering is the Little Marketplace Bar, which will serve signature cocktails, draft beers, and a curated wine selection, further enhancing the store's experiential retail proposition.

Responding to emerging consumer trends

According to Diana Prince Ang, deputy general manager of The Marketplace, the new concept reflects changing shopper behavior, particularly in lifestyle and tourism-driven locations.

“Little Marketplace reimagines what a convenience store can be by creating a more curated and experiential environment for customers,” Ang said.

“We wanted to develop a format that feels relevant to how people shop and spend their time in Boracay while providing greater convenience for both residents and tourists,” Ang added.

Christine Tueres, managing director of Food Segments – Big Formats of RRHI said the company sees significant opportunities in formats that combine retail convenience with elevated food and beverage experiences. “We are excited to introduce the first Little Marketplace in Boracay,” Tueres said.

“The concept brings together quality food, curated selections, and convenience in a format designed around the needs of today’s travelers and communities. We believe this format addresses growing demand for premium yet accessible retail and dining experiences.”

Tueres added that while Boracay serves as the pilot location, the concept is designed with scalability in mind and may be adapted for other markets and destination locations in the future.

Strengthening retail innovation

The launch underscores RRHI’s continued focus on innovation across its portfolio of retail formats.

The Marketplace is a premium supermarket brand under RRHI, one of the Philippines’ largest multi-format retailers. The brand is known for its curated assortment of premium local and international products, fresh offerings, specialty groceries, and customer-focused shopping experiences.

By combining quality, convenience, and innovation, The Marketplace continues to deliver a differentiated retail experience for discerning consumers across the country. As part of RRHI’s portfolio of market-leading retail brands, The Marketplace remains committed to elevating everyday shopping through carefully selected products, exceptional service, and innovative concepts that respond to the evolving needs of Filipino consumers.

Opening activities

Little Marketplace will officially open on Oct. 30 and operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Opening-day activities will include a community fun run, a Matcha & Coffee Rave, and a sunset DJ session, highlighting the experiential elements of the new concept and its integration into the Boracay community.

With Little Marketplace, The Marketplace expands beyond traditional premium supermarket retail into a new category that combines convenience, foodservice, and experiential retail, positioning the brand to capture emerging opportunities in tourism-oriented and lifestyle-driven locations.