Watsons PH scales up greener stores in BGC a year after San Pedro launch

A year after unveiling its first eco-conscious store in Laguna, Watsons Philippines has expanded its sustainable retail footprint by launching four new similar stores in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

The health and beauty retail giant has transformed four of its BGC locations into what it calls "Watsons Greener Stores" - a continuation of its sustainability strategy first piloted in San Pedro, Laguna in 2024. Now, stores in High Street Plaza, Eco Tower, Bonifacio Technology Center, and Forbeswood Parklane have joined the fold.

“Today marks another milestone for us as we open the second batch of Watsons Greener Store in the heart of this bustling city in Taguig,” said Alisandrea “Lexie” Coloma, Watsons Philippines’ senior manager for PR and sustainability, as quoted by The Philippine Star. “We know that BGC, like Watsons, is at the forefront in promoting sustainable living. We knew BGC would be the perfect area for it.”

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At each BGC branch, sustainability is built into the very foundation: energy-efficient lighting and inverter cooling appliances reduce power consumption; recycled and FSC-/PEFC-certified wood and paper replace more harmful materials; even the marketing collaterals have been reimagined - Solidus boards now stand where PVC-based Sintra once did.

It’s not only about infrastructure. Watsons’ circular economy strategy includes in-store recycling, upcycling electrical components, and a rewards system that encourages shoppers to return empty bottles in exchange for points and vouchers.

“Our vision is to create more Watsons Greener Stores, reducing our environmental impact and embedding sustainability into our daily operations. This transformation is not just about infrastructure but about fostering a culture of sustainability,” said Sharon Decapia, SAVP for marketing, PR and sustainability.

In these stores, sustainability is not only visible - it’s interactive. Customers are nudged toward greener habits: reusable bags are encouraged, while the Sustainable Choices wall spotlights products made with better ingredients, refill packs, and eco-conscious packaging.

Store personnel are also trained to be sustainability advocates - knowledgeable in waste management and energy-saving practices, ensuring the values behind the design are reflected in everyday operations.

To mark the launch, Watsons organised a walking eco-tour through all four BGC stores - a move that stitched community engagement into the broader environmental narrative. Participants, armed with eco-bags, ticked off sustainability challenges along the way.

At Eco Tower, they donated used personal care containers. Bonifacio Technology Center asked them to post selfies at the Sustainable Choices wall. At Forbeswood Parklane, they penned sustainability pledges onto a community tree. By the time they reached the High Street branch, wooden medals awaited the finishers - doubles as coasters, naturally.

Watsons said at the time of last year’s launch that by utilising solar panels, its pioneering Greener Store saves approximately 7.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually - roughly equivalent to the yearly carbon absorption of 377 trees. Now, with four additional stores transformed in BGC, that impact is even more tangible.

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