SM Turns 40: A New Era of Malling for Every Filipino

Events, Features

SM Turns 40: A New Era of Malling for Every Filipino

By TVN
August 3, 2025
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As SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, it honors four decades of growth, innovation, and community — evolving alongside generations of Filipinos and marking the milestone with its biggest nationwide shopping celebration to date.

A Celebration of Partnerships and Possibilities
From August 1 to September 9, 2025, shoppers can unlock over 3,500 exclusive deals across 88 malls nationwide in a 40-day retail festival. From flash sales and anniversary bundles to gamified promos and online exclusives via the SM Malls Online App, this celebration is more than just a sale — it’s a tribute to the millions who’ve made SM part of their lives.

“SM has always been more than malls — we are part of people’s lives and journeys,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “That’s why we continue to listen, innovate, and evolve. Our goal is to create spaces and experiences where every Filipino can thrive — today and in the future.”

Big on People, Purpose, and Place
At 40, SM enters a new era centered on deeper purpose and stronger partnerships. It continues to build platforms that support livelihoods, strengthen communities, and promote inclusive growth.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM has supported over 17,000 small businesses since 2019 with affordable leasing, curated fairs, and digital support. Regular job fairs in partnership with DOLE and LGUs have also opened thousands of employment opportunities across the country.

_{The nationwide SM job fair results in 2,091 on-the-spot hires, and several of these successful applicants pose for a photograph with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez, and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa.}

A Greener Future, Together
Sustainability is at the core of SM’s operations. With solar panels on 48 malls, rainwater recycling systems, and electric vehicle charging stations in 69 locations, SM is actively reducing its environmental footprint.

*_{Students weigh recyclables during SM Cares’ Trash to Cash, showing that small actions can lead to a greener future.}*

*_{SM City Fairview’s rooftop solar photovoltaic system}*

_{An electric vehicle charges at SM City Fairview’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station—one of 123 across 69 SM Supermalls nationwide.}

Programs like Trash to Cash, Plastic Waste Collection, and E-Waste drives invite shoppers and tenants to participate in creating a waste-free future. Meanwhile, SM Cares, the mall’s social good arm, leads efforts in climate resilience, coastal cleanups, and educational campaigns that empower communities to act for the planet.

Inclusive by Design
From women to the LGBTQIA+ community to persons with disabilities, SM creates spaces that are safe, welcoming, and empowering for all. Women now make up 65% of its workforce, and its flagship inclusivity programs have drawn record-breaking participation — from over 40,000 at the 2025 Angels Walk for Autism, to 8,000 in the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome.

*_{SM Leaders, ASP organizers and volunteers come together at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, showcasing the strength of community behind the success of the ASP Angels Walk 2025.}*

SM also invests in accessibility, inclusive storytelling hubs like Book Nook, and emergency preparedness forums tailored for PWDs and seniors — fostering a truly inclusive malling culture.

Adapting to Modern Filipino Lifestyles
Recognizing the shift toward wellness and outdoor experiences, SM has launched the Active Hub — dedicated fitness zones with pickleball courts, running tracks, and bike-friendly amenities. Paw Parks make it more pet-friendly, while digital innovations — including the SM Malls Online App and cashless payment systems — ensure malling is seamless across all channels.

Reimagining the Mall of the Future
From MOA Sky’s rooftop park to lifestyle enhancements in SM City Laoag and SM City Sto. Tomas, SM continues to redefine what malling means for the next generation — focusing on thoughtful design, sustainability, smart technology, and human-centered spaces.

40 Years Forward: SM Evolves With You
At its heart, SM’s story has always been about people. What began as a dream to bring retail closer to Filipinos has become a movement — one that champions innovation, inclusion, and shared progress.