(SPOT.ph) The year 2019 was a good one for the Metro Manila shopping scene. We saw a lot of fun brand collabs, exciting sneaker drops, and huuuge sale events all around the Metro. There were a lot of cool store openings, too, from international brands opening for the first time in the country to other smaller local concepts that shopaholics welcomed with open arms.
Below, we list 10 cool store openings in the Metro in 2019:
Kubo by Piopio
A treasure trove of cool finds from homegrown brands, Kubo by Piopio is a shop that carries all things local. This modern-day bahay kubo puts the spotlight on Filipino craftsmanship, so if you’re looking for unique and locally made finds, this store located along Esteban Street is right up your alley. Shop from brands like Strange Mercy, Piopio, Soak Artisan Soap, Inne Studios, Beach Born, Golden Monstera, Finn The Label, Practical Magic, and more. The store also has space for occasional events and workshops.
Kubo by Piopio is at 109 Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, log on to Kubo by Piopio’s Facebook page.
Stride Collective
This collective of local shoe brands is preserving Marikina’s shoemaking heritage by coming together as Stride Collective. This year, they decided that it was time to open a brick-and-mortar store located in Marikina, making their pairs more accessible to shoppers. The store is currently home to brands like INNE, Bella Sorelle, Risque Designs, Hola Lili, Arvel & Co., Rippletwyne, and La Filippine, to name a few. Social-media fiends, they have a pretty IG-worthy set up that’s worth checking out.
Stride Collective is at ADV Building, 4 J.P. Laurel Street corner Chestnut Street Marikina East San Roque, Marikina City. For more information, log on to Stride Collective’s Facebook page.
The Naturale Market
The rise of the zero-waste trend paved the way for more eco-friendly shops to open around the Metro, and The Naturale Market was one of them this year. Located in Burgos Circle, the sustainable shop is divided into sections for all your lifestyle needs. The Naked Beauty has eco-friendly skincare products and toiletries like shampoo and soap bars, menstrual cups, and organic beauty essentials. There’s also The Scoop and Weigh Section, where you can shop all-natural products like grains, seeds, coffee, nut butter, and more by the gram. Finally, The Ethical Lifestyle and Brands Section carries local brands that offer fashion pieces like clothes and accessories.
The Naturale Market is at Burgos Circle, Forbestown Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, log on to The Naturale Market's Facebook page.
Uniqlo Westgate Alabang
This year, Uniqlo opened their very first “roadside store” in the country in Westgate, Alabang. The store also happens to be the largest Uniqlo store in the south, which is pretty exciting for South kids who swear by the Japanese retail brand. The store carries the complete LifeWear line so you can shop for everyone in your family. Plus, the store has its own parking lot, making it convenient for you to drop by, do your shopping, and leave.
Uniqlo Westgate Alabang is at Westgate Filinvest City, Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City. For more information, log on to Uniqlo’s Facebook page.
Sunnies World
It’s about time people could shop Sunnies Studios, Sunnies Specs, and Sunnies Face all in one place! This #aesthetic flagship store, which opened in Mega Fashion Hall, also doubles as a cafe, with Cup Point serving up their brews to those waiting for their specs or those who simply want to hang out at the Instagram-worthy store. Painted in soft pastel hues with gorgeous accent pieces here and there, Sunnies World is like a playground for those into fashion, makeup, and cheap but delicious coffee.
Sunnies World is at 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. For more information, log on to Sunnies Studios, Sunnies Specs, and Sunnies Face’s websites.
PLAY Line Friends
BTS fans went into a frenzy when the very first PLAY Line Friends store opened in Manila. Located in Robinsons Place Manila, the store is packed with all kinds of cute merch and novelty items from BT21. You’ll go crazy over all the KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, TATA, COOKY, and VAN items in store! Apart from BT21, you can also shop your favorite Line Friends and Brown and Friends characters. Snap a pic with Sally, the giant yellow duck that’ll greet you in front of the store!
PLAY Line Friends is at Level 1, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Manila City. For more information, log on to PLAY Line Friends’ Facebook page.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Makeup junkies got an early Christmas surprise when beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills opened its first shop in the country. Located in Rustan’s Makati, fans of the Los Angeles-based brand can now get their hands on their cult faves like the DIPBROW Pomade and Brow Wiz without having to fly to a different country or deal with shipping fees. The store lets shoppers browse and swatch all the products effortlessly, from their foundations, lipsticks, brow products, and their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes.
Anastasia Beverly Hills is at G/F Rustan's Makati, Courtyard Drive corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
No Brand
This popular Korean grocery brand made waves when it was first announced that they would soon be opening in the country. Their very first store is located in Robinsons Galleria, and it’s bursting with lip-smacking snacks, like their popular potato chips, cookies, and different kinds of cereal. The best part is that everything is easy on the pocket, so you’ll have a hard time keeping your cart from overflowing. Fair warning: Their potato chips can get pretty addicting, so we suggest grabbing at least two cans for good measure.
No Brand is at 2/F Robinsons Galleria, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City. For more information, log on to No Brand’s Facebook page.
Hydro Flask Flagship Store
This popular tumbler brand opened their very first flagship store in Manila in December and it’s heaven for Hydro Flask fans. The shop has a no-nonsense layout that lets you check out all their tumblers by size, shape, and color. If you’ve been eyeing a certain tumbler in a specific color but can’t seem to find it in their mall kiosks or stockists, their flagship store won’t let you down.
Hydro Flask Flagship Store is at 2/F Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Ayala Center, Makati City. For more information, log on to Hydro Flask’s Facebook page.
Beyond The Vines
Those looking for a new go-to clothing store for clean silhouettes that you can take from day to night will be glad to know that Singapore-based fashion label Beyond The Vines opened their first shop in Manila. Located in Shangri-La Plaza, this store offers minimalist pieces in comfortable and breathable fabric that’s perfect for the Philippines’ tropical weather. The brand is backed by a team of female designers, so all their pieces are carefully designed to make women feel comfortable wearing them no matter their figure.
Beyond The Vines is at 2/3 Mid-Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City. For more information, log on to Beyond The Vines’ Facebook page.
