Sari-sari stores selling more after typhoon season - study

Sari-sari stores experienced a sales spike after the typhoon season last year, reflecting their resilience and vital role as a source of supplies for storm-hit communities, according to technology startup Packworks.

- By Louella Desiderio

Through its business intelligence platform Sari IQ, Packworks looked at data on sari-sari stores in storm-hit areas in the Philippines last year such as Batangas in Region IV-A (Calabarzon), Cagayan and Isabela in Region II (Cagayan Valley), as well as Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes in Region V (Bicol Region).

Packworks found that sari-sari stores in these areas saw a 27-percent increase in average daily gross merchandise value (GMV) and a 50-percent growth in transactions a month after six typhoons hit between Oct. 23 and Nov. 18.

The Bicol Region was the main contributor to the growth, with its provinces having a combined 50 percent spike during a typhoon and a further 26-percent increase in average daily GMV after a typhoon hit.