SM Supermalls launches Vinta Market to champion Zamboanga's MSMEs

SM Supermalls has unveiled Vinta Market at the newly opened SM City Zamboanga, positioning the initiative as both a cultural showcase and a commercial growth platform for MSMEs across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Launched in partnership with department of trade and industry (DTI) region 9 under the SM for MSMEs programme, the marketplace brings together 20 local businesses spanning handcrafted goods, artisanal products, fashion, delicacies, and souvenirs. The activation coincided with the mall’s opening on 20 March, anchoring the launch in a broader push to integrate community-driven retail into large-scale commercial developments.

Inspired by the traditional Mindanaoan vinta – known for its brightly coloured sails – the market’s concept draws heavily on cultural symbolism, translating heritage into a contemporary retail experience.

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Beyond aesthetics, the initiative is designed to address a core MSME challenge: access to consistent, high-footfall retail environments. By situating small businesses within a major mall ecosystem, SM is effectively bridging informal and formal retail channels, enabling enterprises to scale visibility and distribution.

For participating entrepreneurs, the impact is already tangible.

“We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga… because of that, I have a growing market and many loyal customers at SM,” said Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents, pointing to increased customer acquisition driven by mall exposure.

The platform also plays a role in cultural preservation, particularly for heritage crafts. Evelinda Otong, a fourth-generation Yakan weaver, highlighted the importance of institutional support in sustaining traditional industries, noting that opportunities such as this enable local artisans to reach wider markets.

Crucially, the programme extends beyond retail placement into capability building. Training sessions and seminars aim to equip MSMEs with skills in scaling operations and distribution – areas often cited as barriers to growth.

“With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot,” added Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products. “We’re proud to say that we supply all over the Philippines – and with SM Supermalls, our products can reach around the country and are now in the mainstream market.”

From a strategic standpoint, Vinta Market underscores how mall operators are evolving from passive leasing spaces into active ecosystem builders. By combining market access with mentorship and storytelling, SM is positioning its malls as platforms for inclusive growth – aligning commercial objectives with community development.

The launch stands out as a key highlight of SM City Zamboanga’s debut, reinforcing the mall’s positioning as a lifestyle destination that integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and local enterprise.

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