Spinneys eyes 12 Metro Manila stores in Ayala-led premium retail push

Dubai-based premium grocery brand Spinneys has moved a step closer to its Philippine debut, with plans to open 12 stores across Metro Manila over the next four years through its joint venture with ACX Holdings Corporation, the retail arm of Ayala Corporation.

The move follows a strategic partnership signed in September 2025 and positions Spinneys as a key anchor tenant within select Ayala Malls, tapping into rising demand for premium, experience-led grocery retail among affluent Filipino consumers.

Initial stores are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, starting with Ayala Malls U.P. Town Centre in Quezon City and San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati City. These locations will introduce Spinneys’ globally benchmarked grocery format to the local market, complementing Ayala Malls’ broader lifestyle-led retail mix.

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“Spinneys is a valuable addition to the Philippine grocery landscape,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director, Ayala Corporation, and head of leasing and hospitality, Ayala Land. “Premium grocery retail today is about more than what’s on the shelves - it’s about curation, service, and the joy of discovery. The entry of Spinneys brings a new dimension to grocery shopping, expanding the range of choices available locally and further enriching our dynamic retail landscape.”

The entry reflects Ayala Malls’ response to shifting Filipino consumer behaviour. As the country’s upper-income segment continues to expand, shoppers are becoming more globally exposed and discerning, shaped by international travel and familiarity with overseas retail standards. Increasingly, they are seeking premium grocery experiences that combine quality, curated assortments, and a refined in-store environment - turning everyday shopping into a lifestyle activity rather than a routine task.

By introducing Spinneys, Ayala Malls aims to meet these expectations with a concept that mirrors international benchmarks while remaining relevant to local tastes.

“Having spent many years in Dubai, I’ve seen how Spinneys has become a benchmark for premium grocery experiences. We’re thrilled to bring this globally best-in-class model to Ayala Malls, giving our customers access to the same high-quality, internationally inspired offerings here in the Philippines. Our aim is to deliver a thoughtfully curated grocery experience that reflects global standards, while remaining firmly grounded in local tastes and preferences,” Ayala Malls COO Paul Birkett added.

Known across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its premium positioning, Spinneys brings to the Philippines its strengths in high-quality imported products, carefully developed private label ranges, and modern store formats designed for discovery and engagement. Its offering is characterised by a well-considered blend of imported goods and private labels tailored to local preferences, fresh and artisanal selections sourced to global standards, and contemporary layouts that prioritise ease, service, and inspiration.

Beyond retail expansion, the partnership also underscores growing commercial ties between the Philippines and the UAE. Spinneys has a long-standing connection with the Philippines, with more than 1,300 Filipinos currently part of its GCC workforce. The joint venture not only opens up opportunities locally, but also creates pathways for overseas Filipino workers to return home and contribute to the growth of the domestic retail sector.

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