Sari-sari store spending drops in 2024; monthly visits become more frequent

MONTHLY SPENDING in small mom-and-pop stores, known as sari-sari stores, fell to P689 in 2024, from the 2023 average of P781, according to tech startup Packworks, which offers apps to help store owners manage their businesses.

- Justine Irish D. Tabile

"Packworks' data also showed that while Filipinos on average spent less, they visited sari-sari stores more frequently," it said. "Last year, its network of stores recorded an average of 18 monthly transactions nationwide, up 16% from 2023," it added.

It said the practice of tingi — the purchase of the smallest quantities possible — was apparent in the frequent visits, signaling that affordability issues are preventing consumers from buying more than they need at the moment.