Robinsons Malls remains committed to its brand promise of providing delightful and convenient shopping experiences to every family through its 52 lifestyle centers across the country. Amid unprecedented health and safety challenges, it continues to serve and support communities by implementing strict health and sanitation protocols, and providing alternative ways for customers to shop and dine.
At the height of the pandemic, Robinsons Malls prioritized care and protection for its employees, retail partners, and customers. It shortened mall operating hours, deployed sanitation teams for regular disinfection of high-touch areas, installed UV sanitation devices, regulated foot traffic to limit capacity, and enforced comprehensive health protocols. Aside from these, Robinsons Malls provided rental waivers and concessions to support the recovery of partner tenants affected by temporary mall closures and quarantine restrictions.
Movement restrictions and public health concerns forced rapid shifts in consumer preferences and shopping patterns. As a response to customer needs in the new normal, Robinsons Malls introduced 3 shopping innovations – PickUp Station, RDelivery, and RPersonal Shopper – to enable contactless purchases and transactions. These were complemented by the launch of the Virtual Mall Directory, which provides up-to-date information on mall operating hours, restaurant menus, store promotions, and available services for convenient shopping.
Robinsons Malls’ PickUp Station allow shoppers to enjoy the ease of ordering online and having their items brought straight to their cars within a pre-arranged pickup schedule. Through specially designated curbside pickup points, shoppers can simply drive by and receive their orders in the safety and comfort of their vehicles. Simple, practical and convenient, this highly accessible service has been rolled out in all Robinsons Malls nationwide.
RDelivery, on the other hand, caters to customers who prefer to have their items delivered straight to their doorsteps, without the need for online ordering and delivery applications. Customers simply place their orders directly with their chosen store and settle the bill through any available mode of payment. RDelivery will soon be launched in more Robinsons Malls establishments.
For multiple transaction requests, Robinsons Malls launched RPersonal Shopper to provide customers with flexibility and a wider range of options in a single booking. The services of a Robinsons personal shopper include, but are not limited to, grocery shopping, ordering food from several restaurants, purchasing household or office supplies, and running mall errands. RPersonal Shopper is currently available in 16 malls throughout the country.
RDelivery and RPersonal Shopper not only encourage safe and convenient shopping. These innovative services also enable mall tenants without a dedicated delivery fleet to expand their customer reach and increase revenues.
In support of local entrepreneurs and SMEs, Robinsons Malls also launched Locally Sourced, a gardening and fresh local produce fair, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote quality Filipino products, while offering shoppers a wider array of choices. Bringing together farmers, plant vendors, and entrepreneurs, Locally Sourced exhibits were held in various Robinsons Malls featuring fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, herbs, tea, and wine selections, as well as fresh plants, seeds, and gardening tools.
With the growing preference for open-air spaces, Robinsons Malls set up al fresco dining areas in various malls nationwide where customers can enjoy great food, along with a vibrant view and quiet ambience. The outdoor dining set up is designed to follow social distancing protocols and strict sanitation measures, featuring contactless menus from various partner establishments. Aside from offering safe and comfortable dining experiences, this initiative supports Robinsons Malls’ partner restaurants amid restrictions in seating capacities and the suspension of indoor dining.
In addition, Robinsons Malls rolled out Bike Parking and Repair Station to help build bike-friendly cities and communities. Catering to the growing cycling population, the designated parking areas and repair stations help ensure safe and convenient journeys to Robinsons Malls. Through this initiative, Robinsons Malls seeks to likewise promote sustainable transportation and an active lifestyle.
In 2021, Robinsons Malls will continue to tap emerging cities as it prepares to open Robinsons Place La Union in San Fernando. It will likewise respond to ever-changing customer expectations with the expansion of its malls in Dumaguete and Antipolo. The first phase of Dumaguete’s expansion will add a multilevel parking area and extend the mall’s foyer to welcome fresh retail and F&B concepts. Antipolo’s expansion, on the other hand, will create space for exciting retail stores, quality dining options, and four additional cinemas.
On the digital front, the company is set to expand its online presence with MallDash, an eCommerce website featuring the products of Robinsons Malls’ retail partners in one platform. Through MallDash, customers will be able to buy food, medicine, and other essentials from various stores in a single transaction and have these all delivered directly to their homes. Beta tests are in place for 3 pilot malls, namely, Robinsons Place Antipolo, Robinsons Magnolia, and Robinsons Place Ilocos.
Robinsons Malls upholds its commitment to promoting safe and responsible malling as it leverages on its combined customer-facing business and digital capabilities for a seamless shopping experience. In today’s multi-channel environment, it plans to offer more innovative ways for Filipinos to relive the carefree joy and convenience of shopping – whether inside its malls or in the comfort of homes.