Manila, Philippines – Japanese footwear giant ABC-MART is set to make its mark in the Philippine retail scene with the opening of its flagship store in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in the fall 2025. The move marks a major milestone in ABC-MART’s Southeast Asian expansion strategy and introduces Filipino consumers to a new retail experience featuring some of the world’s top footwear brands.
The launch is the result of a newly inked joint venture between Japan’s ABC-MART and local retail group SONAK Retail Group. Key executives from both sides formally signed the agreement at a recent event, including Anil Buxani, CEO of SONAK Retail Group, and Kiichiro Hattori, senior vice president of ABC-MART Japan. They were joined by Kabir Buxani, incoming CEO and director of SONAK Retail Group, and Koji Higashimae, CEO of ABC-MART SONAK Philippines.
“Filipinos’ affinity for streetwear fashion makes this the perfect time for the much-loved ABC-MART to usher in a new era of retail excitement here in the country. We’re particularly thrilled about this partnership, building on the recent success of ABC-MART in Vietnam,” stated Anil Buxani, CEO of SONAK Retail Group. “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in SONAK Retail Group’s mission to deliver unparalleled shopping experiences in the country.”
The upcoming BGC store will introduce two of ABC-MART’s retail formats to the local market: ABC-MART Standard and ABC-MART Grand Stage. The Standard concept is aimed at offering casual, everyday footwear for a wide customer base, while the Grand Stage is positioned as a premium destination tailored for sneakerheads and fashion-forward consumers.
Spanning more than 750 square meters across two floors, the Grand Stage will feature a curated lineup of top global footwear brands such as Nike, Adidas, ASICS, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Timberland, Vans, Crocs, and Salomon. The store will also offer exclusive and limited-edition releases, establishing it as a new hotspot for collectors and streetwear fans.
“Our entry into the Philippines is part of our strategic expansion plan in Southeast Asia. It’s a large and dynamic market for ABC-MART, and we believe that our collaboration with SONAK Retail Group will deliver outstanding outcomes. We’re eager to bring the distinct retail experience and curated brand assortment to the style-conscious Filipino shopper,” said Kiichiro Hattori, vice president of ABC-MART.
