Several major mall operators announced on Thursday, March 26, that they will shorten operating hours beginning Monday, March 30, in response to the country’s state of national energy emergency.
In separate advisories, leading retail groups, said the move aims to support nationwide efforts to conserve electricity and ease pressure on the national grid.
SM Supermalls said its malls across the country will adopt reduced hours starting March 30. The chain will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
The Sy family-led operator, which manages major shopping centers such as SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, and SM Megamall, said the adjustment is part of its contribution to energy conservation.
“This strategic shift is a direct response to the urgent need for nationwide power conservation. By adjusting daily opening times, SM Supermalls aims to significantly reduce demand on the national grid,” the company said in a statement.
“SM is proactively adapting to the current situation by adjusting our operating hours. We remain committed to delivering elevated retail experiences for all Filipinos, supported by our increased use of renewable energy to power our malls,” said Steven Tan.
Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls, under Robinsons Land Corporation of the Gokongwei Group, also announced similar adjustments effective March 30.
In an advisory, the company said its malls will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
“We’re adjusting our operating hours nationwide starting March 30 as we support national energy conservation efforts. Thank you for being part of this shared commitment,” Robinsons Malls said.
Ayala Malls likewise confirmed it will implement new hours beginning the same date, with operations set from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We’re making a slight adjustment to mall hours in support of national efforts to help manage the energy situation,” the company said.
For its part, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls said it will shorten operating hours across its 18 malls, with schedules varying by location. In general, its malls will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
The company also reduced cinema hours in seven of its malls, setting schedules from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Wednesdays to Sundays.
The adjustments come after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency to address potential fuel supply disruptions and stabilize the country’s energy sector amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
