By Inquirer.Net
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging Philippine retailers to consider listing on the local stock market to scale up their businesses and raise fresh capital.
Earlier in January, DTI officials met with representatives from the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), an umbrella group of more than 400 retail companies across manufacturing, supply chain, wholesale and other segments.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the DTI and the retail sector, including support for companies interested in listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
“We encouraged them to join the stock exchange because there are many brands in the Philippines that are interesting and profitable; they’re more on the medium- and large-scale enterprises (translated),” Roque said.
Many retail firms, few listed
Of the 287 companies listed on the PSE, only 10 are in the retail sector.
These include Manny Villar’s AllHome Corp., Berjaya Philippines Inc., luxury brand distributor SSI Group Inc., IT merchandise retailer Upson International Corp. and construction supplies retailer Wilcon Depot Inc.
A bulk of listed retail firms operate in the supermarket or convenience store segment, such as AllDay Marts Inc., Philippine Seven Corporation, Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., Puregold Price Club Inc. and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.
This is despite retail businesses accounting for the bulk of business registrations in 2025, with 485,691 listings recorded during the year.
The PSE is targeting at least four new companies to go public this year, including fintech unicorn GCash and PNB Holdings Corp., the real estate spinoff of tycoon Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank.
Formal deal soon
Beyond listing, Roque said the DTI also encouraged retailers to tap into incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy, or “CREATE MORE” Act.
Retailers looking to expand exports may also seek assistance from the Foreign Trade Service Corps, she said.
Roque added that the partnership between the DTI and PRA may soon be formalized through a memorandum of agreement.
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