10 Store Openings That Got Us Excited in 2022
We take a look at some of the shops that opened in and around the Metro.
(SPOT.ph) Can you feel it in the air? No, we’re not just talking Christmas and year-end cheer; we mean how we’re slowly picking back up after all those years. Yes, COVID-19 still exists but the drive to get back all the time lost (the least of it, really) has given 2022 quite the edge. It was the year of revenge travel, revenge eating, and of course, revenge shopping. 2022 was a great year for the shopping scene of Metro Manila and beyond with a variety of brands, local and international, new and old, opening up more doors. In case you missed any or want to drop by for your next shopping trip, we round up a handy list below.
Also read: The 15 Most Exciting New Stores That Opened in Metro Manila in 2021
These were the most exciting store openings in Metro Manila that happened in 2022:
Helly Hansen
If your idea of de-stressing is to go climbing mountains, sailing into the unknown, or simply going completely off the grid in one way or another, then you’ll definitely need good-quality gear and clothing. Enter Scandinavian brand, Helly Hansen. You can cop items from their range of professional-grade gear and essentials like breathable and waterproof jackets, dri-fit shirts, and bottoms, as well as outdoor accessories like dry bags, headgear, and footwear. If you’ve been wondering where to get that niche tool for your outdoor hobbies, it might just be at their new shop in Glorietta. Now go book that next escape.
Helly Hansen is at 2/F, Glorietta 4, Makati City.
Saan Saan Studio
You’ve probably been buying your supply of scented candles from this local brand since they opened up mainly online in 2018. Well, they’ve finally put up a brick-and-mortar spot for you to check out their small-batch, handmade soy candles. This outpost in Pasig City also means that if you’re new to this cult-status shop, you can head on over to take a whiff yourself; right down the rabbit hole, you go. After all, there’s nothing that brings instant calm as easily as the right scented candle for you.
Saan Saan Studio is located at G/F, Ace Hotel and Suits, United corner Brixton Streets, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Foot Locker
Pretty much everyone and their mom went gaga the moment Foot Locker announced their arrival on our shores. Hype boys and hype baes alike relished the fact that they no longer have to go the extra mile to cop the latest and greatest when it comes to footwear. And to make it even better, our branch happens to be their largest outpost in Southeast Asia. Foot Locker’s Glorietta branch has over 1,435 square meters of retail space with loads of options for both guys and gals, heck, even the kids as well. If you think you have to cross EDSA just to get your dose of Jordan kicks, think again as Foot Locker also carries the popular eponymous line.
Foot Locker is at 2/F, Glorietta 3, Makati City.
Pretty Bubble Boutique
Those in the South will be glad to know that their fur babies have a new place to go to. Originally from South Korea, this premium pet shop first opened up their doors locally in Cebu and has now followed it up with a spot in Taguig. Located at Two Parkade in Bonifacio Global City, the space offers a range of premium pet supplies and pet services—including the Hinoki Spa, a full-body massage experience for your pet. They also carry supplies and cater their services to felines so cat parents need not worry.
Pretty Bubble Boutique is at G/F, Two Parkade, 30th Street, Taguig City.
The Editor’s Market
Gone are the days when you’d have to fly to a different country just so you can shop at one of your go-to brands. These days, it’s the brand themselves that fly into our country. A great way to test out the market, SG-based brand, The Editor’s Market, did just that by putting up a series of pop-up shops in key areas of the Metro. The brand is known for their timeless designs in multiple colorways; making for great clothing options if you’re dead set on living that minimalist aesthetic lifestyle come 2023. Each spot lasts for a total of three months but who’s to say they won’t stay forever? Keeping our fingers crossed.
The Editor’s Market Pop Up is at G/F, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City and at G/F, Glorietta 3, Makati City.
Ayumi
Most of Ayumi’s branches can be found in the South with only a few dotting the Metro’s North. Now while they’ve opened up a couple more doors this year, it’s their new Robinsons Magnolia outpost that really caught our eye. This particularly spacious branch evokes a calm vibe courtesy of the muted tones, wood accents, and plush comfy seats—something you’ll definitely want for when you book a pamper sesh. The store is known for their services like eyelash extensions and nail art done with Japanese techniques so if you live in the area, you’ll be glad to know that you no longer need to travel far to be that girl this coming year.
Ayumi is at G/F, The Magnolia Residences Tower C, N. Domingo corner Hemady St., New Manila, Quezon City.
La Mer
When you think of luxury skincare and makeup, one brand that comes to mind is La Mer. And when one mentions said U.S. brand, it is the Crème de la Mer that immediately follows. One of the most luxurious and coveted moisturizers out there, those that are blessed enough to cop it tend to flock to their nearest Rustan’s branch of choice, but you’ll be glad to know that the luxe brand finally has their own boutique at Greenbelt. The outpost has all the fancy bells and whistles that you’d expect from a luxury brand, complete with comfy couches, brightly-lit interiors, and products all lined up and ready for you to try.
La Mer is at G/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
Uniqlo Nuvali
Uniqlo isn’t new to the Philippines and neither are their roadside stores. However, when you pair everyone’s fave brand plus the outdoors, it transforms into a whole new equation. During the last quarter of the year, Uniqlo partnered with Ayala Park to open up the largest roadside store in Laguna covering 1,418 square meters of shopping space. It also has an outdoor area with a bicycle rack, a kids' active zone, and even a charging station; that last bit requires you to pedal to get it working so be prepared to get active. Now you can finally have a real basis for whenever you say shopping’s a form of exercise.
Uniqlo Nuvali is at the Ayala Estate Development along the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Road in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Look At Me
Anyone who loves makeup and TikTok knows that getting your hands on whatever’s trending on the platform can be pretty difficult. Enter Look At Me. It’s been a hot minute since the first branch opened in SM Aura and just recently they finally opened a new one in Pasay. The IG-worthy store has some of your favorite brands like Estee Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford, and Clinique, as well as hard-to-find brands like Ariana Grande’s R.E.M. and Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty.
Look Philippines is at 2/F, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
MUJI at Central Square
It’s no secret that everyone loves MUJI, and we at SPOT.ph certainly aren’t excluding ourselves from the statement. While Taguig has been home to the brand in the past, this year the Japanese retailer took things to greater, er, bigger heights by re-opening in a new space. Their current outpost in Bonifacio High Street Central Square is considered to be the brand’s second-largest store in the country. It also has the first-ever MUJI Cafe where you can sip on a good cup of joe while you take a shopping break.
MUJI is at 2/F, Bonifacio High Street Central Square, Taguig City.