MAKATI CITY — Makati's retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional shopping to embrace immersive experiences and niche brands. This shift is characterized by a focus on creating destinations rather than just stores, with recent openings reflecting a broader trend toward experiential and specialized retail that caters to evolving consumer preferences.
Experiential Retail Takes Center Stage
A prime example of this trend is the opening of the Philippines' first Dimoo-themed pop-up store at Glorietta. The Dimoo World × Pixar Pop-up Store, which runs from July 23 to September 23, 2026, offers an immersive experience featuring the popular Dimoo character in a collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios. The space is designed to be a whimsical destination where visitors can explore interactive installations and shop for exclusive collectibles, blending retail with art and storytelling. This pop-up serves as a precursor to a permanent Pop Mart store set to open in Glorietta in October 2026, signaling the brand's confidence in the experiential retail model.
New Developments and the Return of Heritage Brands
The push for novel retail experiences is also evident in the return of established names and the continued evolution of Makati's retail landscape. Complementing these new developments is the anticipated return of Marks & Spencer to the Philippines. Through a new franchise agreement with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), the British retailer will reopen its stores later in 2026, with its first location set for Glorietta in Makati. This move follows the conclusion of its nearly 40-year partnership with SSI Group Inc., which closed all domestic M&S branches on May 2, 2026. Under MAP's management, M&S will reintroduce its popular fashion, home, beauty, and food lines to a market that has expressed strong demand for the brand. Meanwhile, Century City Mall, which opened in 2014 with a PHP 1.4-billion investment and over 100 tenants, continues to serve as a key retail destination in the area, demonstrating the city's long-standing appeal to both local and international brands.
