SM Group, Levi’s strengthen partnership

MANILA, Philippines — The SM Group is reinforcing its partnership with Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) to support the expansion of the iconic jeans brand’s retail footprint in the country. 

Officials of SM Investments Corp. recently met with LS&Co.’s executive leadership to discuss continued opportunities in the country’s growing consumer market.

The visit forms part of the LS&Co. global leadership team’s tour of its markets in Asia to reinforce its commitment to the region and explore the potential of growth markets, including the Philippines. 

With the Levi’s brand achieving sustained growth in the Philippines, the meeting further strengthened the partnership between SM and LS&Co.

Levi’s sees great potential in the country as it continues to resonate with consumers by delivering a diverse range of apparel that meets the needs and preferences of denim fans.

Nuholt Huisamen, LS&Co. SVP and managing director for East Asia-Pacific, said the Philippines is an important market and a core piece of the company’s international expansion strategy.

Huisamen said LS&Co. is doubling down on its commitment to Asia. 

Levi’s last year expanded its footprint in Asia with the opening of one of its largest stores in the Philippines located in SM North EDSA.

“The Levi’s brand’s presence has deepened in the Philippines thanks to our partnership with key partners like the SM Group, who have strengthened our ability to reach out to our customers,” Huisamen said.

“As we continue to establish Levi’s as a lifestyle apparel brand that delivers a wide range of apparel to meet the needs of our customers in the Philippines, we will continue to work with our partners to expand our footprint in the country and bring these products to them, right where they shop,” he added.

SMIC vice chairperson and SM Retail chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson said she is optimistic about the planned expansion of Levi’s in the Philippines.

“We see a lot of opportunity in further growing the retail portfolio, and part of the growth is cultivating partnerships with leading brands such as Levi’s, which has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion and patronized for its quality and brand leadership,” she said.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores.