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Sari-sari stores continue to be common fixtures in every Filipino neighborhood – be it in impoverished or affluent communities. But just like any manifestation of local cultural identity, "sari-sari stores" continue to evolve. Sari-sari stores are very small, privately owned stores that one may find anywhere in the Philippines.

From “sari-sari on-a-bike" in Makati City (an affluent burb of Manila) , to “hila hila stores" in Vitas, Tondo, (not so affluent - ghetto) to a floating “sari-sari store" in the Artex Compound in Malabon, the localized version of the Philippine convenience store is certainly colorful.

The sari-sari store is an important economic and social location in a Filipino community. It is present in almost all neighborhoods, sometimes several on a street or in a cluster. The word sari-sari is Tagalog for "various kinds". Most sari-sari stores are privately owned shops and are operated inside the shopkeeper's house or as an addition to it.

Commodities are displayed in a large screen-covered or metal barred window in front of the shop. Candies, canned goods and cigarettes are often displayed while cooking oil, salt and sugar are often stored in sacks or cans. A small window is also present where the customer's requested commodity is given. A cigarette lighter tied to the window can also be found. Benches and sometimes tables are also provided in front of the sari-sari store. A shade is placed above it which is also used to cover the large window when the store closes.

The sari-sari store allows members of the community easy access to basic commodities at low costs. In the Philippines, following the concept of tingi (retail), a customer can buy 'units' of the product rather than whole package. For example, one can buy an egg for about 5 peso (0.10 cents US) or a stick of cigarette for 1 peso (0.02 cents US) rather than a whole pack. This is convenient for those who cannot afford to buy the whole package or do not need much of it. Whole packages are available for purchase also.

The sari-sari store also saves the customer transportation costs, especially those in rural areas, since some towns can be very far from the nearest market or grocery. The store also serves as a secondary or even primary source of income for shopkeepers. The owners can buy commodities in bulk in groceries then sell them in the store at a mark-up price.

Trucks, tricycles, motorcycles/w side car, and bicycles with side-car deliver LPG and soft drinks to the store itself. The store requires little investment since the products are cheap and only a few modifications on one side of a house are needed to convert it to a sari-sari store.

The sari-sari store offers a place where people can meet. The benches provided in front of the store are usually full of men and women. Some men would spend some time drinking while women discuss the latest local news. Youths also use the place to hang out. Children would also rest here in the afternoon after playing and buy soft drinks and snacks.

scottythecomic's whimsical rantings

The Philippines - Sari Sari Stores

scottythecomic

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