The resilience and transformation of SM's business

A STEP AHEAD |In the late 1950s, a small shoe store called Shoemart opened in the bustling shopping district of Rizal Avenue in downtown Manila.

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While this is a well-known chapter in SM's history, few realize that one shoe brand, Parisian, grew alongside Shoemart, marking a significant milestone in the legacy of its founder, Henry Sy Sr.

Harley Sy, executive director of SM Investments and co-vice chairman of SM Retail, shared this interesting piece of history. "Shoemart was established in October 1958 and my father's shoe brand, Parisian for ladies, was also established in 1958, born from his travels abroad in search of quality footwear for Filipinos. His obsession with shoes was well known; he believed that comfortable, well-fitting shoes should be an affordable aspiration for everyone."

The old Shoemart Parisian shoebox design featured the iconic Eiffel Tower; back then, Europe was a symbol of the highest aspiration, hence the name Parisian for Sy's first shoe brand.