Childhood is one of the most relevant times in a person’s life.
It is here that they develop the values and skills that will hone them to become globally competitive leaders and well-rounded adults. But there’s more to this time of innocence than being the suitable time to mold children into their future selves.
Childhood is the time for kids to enjoy the world around them, while constantly learning how it works. During this time, parents and guardians alike are keen on providing their children with experiences where they can learn new things while catering to their curiosity and innocence about the world around them.
This enjoyable learning and bonding experience is what SM hopes to instill in families of mallgoers. As one of the leading malls in the Philippines, SM goes above and beyond with creative and effective ideas in making their guests’ malling experience worthwhile, because they are aware of how much time and how many people enter the malls that they’ve built over the years.
Clear evidence of this is how SM constantly adorns its facade and interior with appropriate decorations that celebrate particular events and holidays.
Families not only get to shop for holiday-themed items, they can also make new vibrant memories with their loved ones. Another key manifestation of SM’s regard for family bonds and inclusivity can be seen in the recreational activities found within its spacious halls. Kids can visit arcades, playrooms, cinemas, and restaurants that cater to all their needs and wants.
Marty, a five-year-old kid who’s taking the internet by storm because of his ability to retain information, shares how he enjoys visiting SM because they have World of Funs and Kidzoonas, which encourage kids to play while developing several communication, motor and intra-personal skills.
Despite SM’s obvious success in keeping mallgoers satisfied and coming back for more, they have no plan of stopping their mission of providing a safe and memorable experience for all. Some fun facts about SM Marty, dubbed as the Super Whiz Kid, enjoys visiting SM branches. But that’s not the only thing that Marty loves about SM. With his talent and thirst for knowledge, Marty found that SM isn’t short of valuable information that will keep his young and curious mind satisfied.
Here are some of the fun facts about SM that Marty finds interesting:
There are 78 SM Supermalls in the Philippines
It was in November 1972, when Henry Sy established the first SM along Carriedo, Manila. Sy’s SM began as a small shoe store in 1958, but later became a department store with a string of shops located along Manila in the 1960s and 70s.
As the years passed and with SM’s growing success with Filipinos, the number of SM branches in the Philippines also increased.
Presently, there are 78 SM malls in the Philippines and 31 more are scheduled to open in the future, bringing the total number to 109 SM malls.
The growth in the number of SM malls coincides with the company’s goal of providing access to a worthwhile malling experience for Filipinos all over the country.
SM has seven branches in China
The Philippines isn’t the only country where SM extends its reach.
Marty learned that there are seven malls in China. These are located in Jinjiang, Chengdu, Suzhou, Chongqing, Zibo, and Tianjin.
Seeing SM Supermalls’ prominent logo in another country may surprise Filipino tourists and overseas workers alike, but with the mall chain’s unparalleled success in the local retail landscape, taking the brand to international markets is the next logical step to ensure further growth.
SM debuted in the Chinese retail scene in 2001 when they opened SM City Xiamen. Since then, the booming economy and welcoming market paved the way for their expansion across the country in the last two decades.
The second-largest SM Supermall
Marty also learned that SM City Tianjin is the second largest in the world in terms of gross leasable area. But in the Philippines, the biggest SM in the country is Dasmariñas with 201,645 square meters.
SM City Tianjin officially opened in December 2016 with a gross floor area of 565,000 square meters. Its expansive size accommodates more than a thousand tenants that range from domestic retailers and restaurants to foreign brands. And similar to most SM Supermalls flagships, SM City Tianjin boasts of a contemporary design that resembles a flower when viewed from above.
SM Supermalls promotes sustainability and disaster-preparedness.
Many of SM’s structures are notable for their unique and eye-catching architecture. But aside from paying attention to the supermall’s overall design, SM also considers several factors such as sustainability and disaster-preparedness. Because environmental problems have been a pressing concern over the years, SM Supermalls embraced environmental sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly, energy-efficient features in their malls.
They’ve adapted proven sustainable solutions such as rain harvesting, water recycling, solar energy, natural lighting, and deck landscaping in their present and future mall development plans.
SM Supermalls also develops structures carefully designed to withstand natural hazards to ensure the safety of tenants and mall-goers alike.
Aside from learning fun facts, Marty is also interested in reading age-appropriate books from Disney, Elizabeth Verdick, and Adarna Books that are both in English and Filipino.
And like most kids, he enjoys playing with toys and other games. But because SM influenced Marty’s life, he took the time of day to memorize these fun facts about one of his favorite places in the country. He even shared that his favorite SM branch is the one in Angono, Rizal.
Other fun facts that the Super Whiz Kid learned are the anniversary dates of several SM Supermall branches such as SM City Cebu, November 27, SM Angono, November 14, and SM Megamall on June 28.
Going to the mall is always a fun experience for all but SM makes it better by taking the extra step of looking out for their customers, even the kids.
Like Marty, many others are certified #BatangSM because of how they enjoy going back to SM’s branches for a fun, learning time that they can spend with their family and loved ones.
