Packworks Reports Strong Growth in Sari-Sari Store Transactions
Filipino tech startup Packworks has announced a substantial increase in transactions processed through its platform, Sari.PH Pro, signaling a rising trend in digital adoption among the country’s micro-retailers. The data showcases the vital role digital tools play in optimizing operations for these small-scale businesses.
In 2024, over 175,000 sari-sari stores actively utilized the platform, representing a 32 percent increase compared to the 133,000 stores recorded the previous year. This surge underscores the growing reliance on digital solutions among micro-retailers across the Philippines.
Western Visayas experienced the most significant growth among all regions, with a 62 percent rise in transactions. Calabarzon followed closely at 50 percent, and the Bicol Region saw a 47 percent increase. Central Luzon and Central Visayas also displayed notable growth, with increases of 26 and 21 percent, respectively.
“Our data illustrates the robust growth of sari-sari store activities in the regions,” stated Bing Tan, CEO and founder of Packworks. “The increase in stores using our app is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of these businesses, vital to the foundation of local economies.”
Despite widespread growth, Mimaropa experienced a decline in transacting stores during April and May 2024. This downturn correlated with the devastation caused by Typhoon Aghon. Transactions in the region fell by 20 percent in April and 38 percent in May, emphasizing the vulnerability of these micro-retail businesses to natural disasters.
Ibba Bernardo, co-founder of Packworks, emphasized the critical need for reliable infrastructure and connectivity to support these small businesses, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. “Access to reliable Internet connectivity and power is critical for community preparedness and recovery,” Bernardo said. “By sharing this data, we hope to highlight areas where strategies for growth and support can be focused in 2025, especially with upcoming elections and seasonal climate impact events on the horizon. By strengthening these crucial services, we can help nurture these businesses further, and make them more resilient and sustainable to the communities they serve.”
Packworks’ platform has expanded to cover 96 percent of the Philippines’ provinces and now serves over 15,000 barangays, reaching nearly 23 percent of the estimated 1.3 million sari-sari stores nationwide. Founded in 2018, Packworks initially provided solutions for multinational companies with limited sari-sari store networks. It has since evolved into a full-scale B2B platform, offering sari-sari store owners access to tools for pricing, inventory management, sales tracking, and working capital loans to streamline operations and boost profitability.
