SM Supermalls, or simply SM, is a chain of shopping malls owned by the Philippines-based SM Prime. As of January 2025[update], it has a total of 95 malls (87 in the Philippines and 8 in China). It also has 13 malls under construction (5 in the Philippines and 2 in China). It was formerly known as Shoemart.
History
SM Supermalls was pioneered by Henry Sy, a Chinese-Filipino businessman whose roots traces back to Fujian. Sy opened his first shoe store in Quiapo in 1948 and later the first store under the Shoemart (SM) name in 1958 along Carriedo.[1] In 1972, Shoemart turned into a full-line department store.[2]
In 1985, the company ventured into the supermarket and home appliance store business. It opened the first "Supermall" in the same year named SM North EDSA in Quezon City.[3]
SM expanded abroad with the opening of its first branch in China in 2001. The mall is SM City Xiamen in Fujian.[4]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's revenue was down nearly 50% in 2020, though it claims to have maintained a healthy occupancy rate throughout the pandemic.[5]
SM Cinema is the movie theater chain of SM Supermalls.
SM Cinema is also responsible for some milestones in the Philippine film industry.
SM Cinema offers premium cinema experience called "Director's Club", which features leather-recliner-seating and butler service,[66] and offers eight IMAX theaters including the first IMAX theater in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia. This IMAX theater, opened in 2006, initially had a capacity of 635 seats (reduced to 490+ seats after renovation and Paragon 918 seating upgrade in 2019) and a screen height of 21.955 meters (72.03 ft), making it the largest cinema screen in the country.[67][68]
There are no cinemas at some SM Center branches such as Pasig, Las Piñas, Dagupan, and San Pedro.
There is a policy in place since 2002, which dictates the non-airing of films rated R-18 in SM Cinemas.[70]
SM Store
The SM Store is the department store chain of SM Supermalls. The first outlet was established in 1972 along Carriedo in Quiapo, Manila, when Shoemart store was converted into a full-fledged department store.[2] It was renamed as the SM Department Store in 1975[71] prior to being rebranded as "SM Store". The SM Store would become one of SM Supermall's common anchor tenant.[2]
SM Skating
SM Skating is SM's indoor ice rink chain. The first rink opened at SM Megamall in 1992 which later closed in 2009, but has since reopened in 2014 at another space.[72] It also has branches at SM Mall of Asia[73] and SM Seaside City, and there used to be one at SM Southmall as well.[74]
SM Game Park is a recreational and entertainment facility offering sports amenities (such as bowling, billiards, basketball, table tennis, and archery, varying by branch), a game room, arcades, karaoke, and a sports bar. The first branch opened at SM Southmall on December 10, 2021.[78] The flagship branch is located at SM Mall of Asia.[79][80] Other branches are located at SM City Fairview, SM CDO Downtown, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Santa Rosa, and SM City East Ortigas.[81]
Every SM Supermall features supermarket chains such as SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market, collectively known as SM Markets, as anchor tenant. Most SM Supermalls house one of these brands, while some malls (including SM City Fairview and SM North EDSA) have both SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket coexisting. Standalone Savemore malls, Hypermarket outlets, and Savemore Express Markets are also considered as outlets of SM Supermalls.
SM Cyberzone
SM Cyberzone is SM's chain of IT retail stores, featuring gadget and technology retailers, concept stores of electronic brands, and telecommunications providers in dedicated areas inside SM Supermalls.[82] It is also recognized as a hub for significant gaming and technology-related events. It originated as a lifestyle store in SM North EDSA's Carpark Building in 1998 before being rebranded to its current name.[83]
The current logo for SM Supermalls was adopted in 2022. The logo consists of the letters "SM" in a custom typeface referred to as Henry Sans after founder Henry Sy and uses a shade of blue dubbed as "SM Electric Blue".[85]
Songs
SM Supermalls theme song, often recognized by its catchy tune, plays in the background of SM mall commercials and promotional videos across the Philippines. This song usually has a beat with lyrics like "We've got it all for you!",[86] echoing SM's slogan. It was introduced by SM Supermalls in 1991. This jingle became a signature part of SM’s branding.
Over the years, SM Supermalls has refreshed the jingle with updated arrangements and new voices, This jingle plays across SM mall branches, television ads, and social media.
"Always Be Super"[87] is another phrase from SM Supermalls.
"Celebrate Christmas at SM Malls" song is often played in SM Supermalls during the Christmas season. The song was released in 2023 by Filipino singer Jose Mari Chan.[citation needed]
Not only "Celebrate Christmas at SM Malls", but also the song,"Happiest Christmas Jingle" is a tune often played in their malls during Christmas season. This jingle was made through a collaboration with Jose Mari Chan.[citation needed]
References
^Zhang, Wenxian; Alon, Ilan (2009). "Sy, Henry Sr". Biographical Dictionary of New Chinese Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. Edward Elgar Publishing. p. 161. ISBN978-1-84844-951-0. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
^Dumlao-Abadilla, Doris (November 14, 2016). "SM stepping up China expansion". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 7, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
^Zinnia B. Dela Peña. Wednesday, April 29, 2009. "SM Prime earmarks P12 billion for expansion of RP, China malls". Philippine Star. SM Prime HoldingsArchived July 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
^Kristine Jane R. Liu and Carmelito Q. Francisco. April 29, 2009. "SM Prime to open one mall every year in mainland China". Business World. SM Prime HoldingsArchived July 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
^Honey Madrilejos-Reyes. March 3, 2009. "SM Prime to Build Shopping Complex Near The Fort". Business Mirror. SM Prime HoldingsArchived July 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
^Krista Angela M. Montealegre, November 8, 2012 "SM group sets record capex for 2013". Interaksyon.com. Interaksyon TV 5Archived December 12, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
^ abcdeDumlao-Abadilla, Doris (November 14, 2016). "SM stepping up China expansion". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
^Pamaran, Maan De Asis (December 16, 2022). "Mall beginnings". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on January 7, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2023.