BIZ BUZZ: Puregold goes all-in on ‘sari-sari’ stores

Even as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, neighborhood “sari-sari” stores are quietly holding their ground—and even expanding their reach.

At the center of this ecosystem is grocery chain operator Puregold Price Club Inc., which is doubling down on its long-running “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” (Tnap) program to support small store owners.

The listed retailer is set to hold its annual sari-sari store convention from May 14 to 16 at the World Trade Center Manila, turning the venue into a hub for microentrepreneurs looking to sharpen their game.

The event will feature a mix of training sessions, supplier deals, and crowd-drawing entertainment—a formula that has helped Puregold keep its grassroots network engaged over the years.

More notably, the company has quietly crossed a milestone: Tnap membership has now reached 1.061 million nationwide.