Despite the domestic economic slowdown and political noise, Filipino shoppers continue what they do best – shopping – boosting the domestic retail trade sector to potentially end 2025 with 10-15 percent growth and the Christmas holiday contributing as much as 30 percent of total retail sales.
Philippine Retailers Association chairman Roberto S. Claudio, Sr. and president Alice T. Liu stressed that as the country navigates ongoing economic challenges, retailers remain optimistic about the upcoming Christmas season—traditionally the busiest and most vibrant period for Philippine retail. “Despite headwinds, the resiliency and resourcefulness of Filipino consumers continue to anchor industry confidence,” said Claudio and Liu in a statement.
The top PRA leaders said that consumer sentiment remains upbeat during the holiday season noting that the economic slowdown does not affect consumer demand, it’s businesses that are affected.
Claudio said PRA is expecting a 10-15 percent growth for 2025 over 2024 sales.
The holiday season also contributes to about 20-30 percent of overall annual sales of retailers. “Many retailers depend on their holiday sales for survival,” he said.
“Filipinos never cancel Christmas. Whatever the economic conditions , they to eat, they shelter , and they eat some more and men drink to forget the problems,” Claudio added.
Traditionally, the Christmas season is the busiest and most vibrant in domestic retailing.
Retailers also anticipate the influx of overseas Filipino workers and contract workers (OFWs/OCWs) remittances, which historically boosts spending on value-for-money gifts, household needs, and personal purchases during the holidays.
With this, PRA encourages retailers nationwide to gear up with their strongest value offerings and prepare their teams, stores, and online channels for increased activity.
“The PRA stands ready to support our members as we work together to deliver a positive, inclusive, and accessible holiday shopping experience for all,” the PRA officials said.
