Landers opens first Mindanao store

DAVAO CITY — Landers Superstore officially opened its Davao City store along F. Torres Street on Wednesday.

Landers Superstore Davao is the membership supermarket’s 14th store in the country and first in Mindanao.

Landers Superstore Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings said in an interview that what makes them excited to open in Davao City is the growth prospects that they see in the city.

Mr. Cummings said a Landers store usually carries from 5,000 to 7,000 products and in Landers Superstore Davao, apart from carrying imported products and items, it also locally sourcing products such as durian and pomelo fresh fruits.

Mr. Cummings said their suppliers/partners helped them curate a unique assortment that goes through a very rigorous outline for them to determine which product makes it and which doesn’t.

“The buyers work for our suppliers/partners to make sure that we optimize the assortment not only for the Philippines but sometimes even for our local communities. We are not only supporting a local community with sourcing products, we are also providing our customers and members with outstanding member value, and we combined that,” Mr. Cummings said.

Mr. Cummings also boasted about their “treasure hunt” items.

“These are items that you cannot find everywhere in a normal grocery store. The giant dog and Lego luggage are all items that moms did not necessarily have on their shopping list but when she comes in, ‘huh, that is super cool right?’ And I want to add that to your overall shopping experience in Landers. Overall values combined with a treasure hunt,” he said.

As of December 3, 2024, member card applications already reached more than 70,000 and according to Mr. Cummings, this is the first in the entire history of Landers.

“It’s our 14th location but the number of members that we have already signed up is the number one we ever have in our entire history. We are extremely excited about now and in the future for this particular market,” he said.

Mr. Cummings also prided Landers’ spacious aisles.

“You are not cramped, we have large shopping baskets and when you come in, it’s a relaxing shopping experience. We demonstrate not only our wonderful products but sometimes you will also see we give product samplings, so we need a little room for people to line up so that they get a chance to experience it,” he said.

Mr. Cummings said they will see their prospects after the opening day.

“Probably after a year. We have an awesome team of real estate managers, and their job is to identify proper locations for future expansions,” he said. — Maya M. Padillo