MANILA, Philippines – All of the Philippines’ major mall chain operators announced on Thursday night, March 26, shorter operating hours starting Monday, March 30 in response to the country’s National Energy Emergency. 

The biggest mall chain, the Sy family’s SM Supermalls with 90 malls nationwide, said mall hours would be from 11 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Fridays; and from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. SM Supermalls start at 10 am on weekdays, while many of its malls close at 10 pm on weekends.
“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. This measure ensures that the company effectively manages resources during this time,” SM Supermalls 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, president of SM Supermalls.

The second largest mall operator, the Gokongwei Group’s Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), with 53 malls, adjusted its weekday mall hours to 11 am to 9 pm, shorter by an hour or two, depending on the mall, starting on Monday.

For weekends, Robinsons Malls’ operating hours will basically be the same, 10 am to 10 pm. 

“This proactive measure supports ongoing efforts to address the National Energy Emergency and contribute to the responsible management of power consumption across the country. By optimizing daily mall operations, Robinsons Malls aims to help ease demand on the national grid while continuing to provide a safe, comfortable, and elevated retail environment for its shoppers,” Robinsons Malls said in a statement.

It also said that mall closing hours may vary, and advised the public to check each mall’s social media pages for updates.

The Zobel de Ayala family’s Ayala Land Corporation with 30 malls likewise announced shorter mall hours on weekdays from 11 am to 9 pm, while weekdays will be the same from 10 am to 10 pm, starting on Monday. However, it advised the public to check each mall’s specific schedules.

“We’re making a slight adjustment to mall hours in support of national efforts to help manage the energy situation,” it said in a social media post. 

Tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Lifestyle Malls announced shorter malls hours for its 18 establishments starting Monday. The adjusted hours will depend on the mall. See the post below for the specific adjustments:

Megaworld also shortened cinema hours from 1 pm to 9 pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 11 am to 10 pm Wednesday to Sunday for its seven malls that have cinemas. – Rappler.com