8 Sari Sari Store Designs and Concepts

Over the years, significant changes have been made on the way we do our retail business. From the traditional
store-inside-the-house to the high-end convenience store, it has really been a testament of its huge following
here in the Philippines.

We humbly became the ambassadors of retail sales or what we locally refer to as tingi.

While proper management and inventory is crucial to the success of your store, the concept and design will
also affect the growth and direction of your business.
There are 8 Sari-sari store designs and concepts that you may want to consider when putting up one. This list
was created to provide a little help to aspiring micro-entrepreneurs to decide which concept will best suit your
budget, location, market and personality.

I've also included some of the good and the bad for each concept just to highlight how it can help you and your
store.

Ready?

Pagbilaaaan...!

1.StoreonWheels
This type of store is typically located along places with high foot traffic and normally sells products
for a specified target market.

Pros:
Mobility. All you need is a cart or a 3-wheeled bike and you're good to go! Your store can go practically
anywhere where there's good foot traffic without spending a dime for gasoline.

Cons:
You only have limited items to sell and you might not be able to do business on days when there's flood or
typhoon. Plus, running this kind of store will require serious muscles.
2.CornerStore
More widely known as the Convenience store, this store should be located on strategic spots, such
as near gate entrances of subdivisions, schools, brgy. halls, etc.

Pros:
Easy inventory because of well managed shelves, you're not just selling products but convenience to your
customers as well. It takes Juan's sari-sari store's buying experience to an all new level!

Cons:
Products are exposed to theft (though CCTV might help) and may require you to sell products on a higher
price especially if you're renting.

3. Long-Counter Store
A concept of combined convenience store and traditional store, this type of store allows customers to enter the
store, but not necessarily letting them pick the items themselves like in convenience stores. Instead, they pay at
the counter table, which is usually long (hence, the name).

 
Pros:
Customer gets to see all your items without worrying theft. The more items customers see, the more impulse
buying you get from them (depends on the way you position your products). You can even use the shelf under
the long counter (if it's made by fiber or glass) to display products or promos you want to emphasize to
customers

4.Mini Grocery
A Big Brother version of the typical sari-sari store, a mini grocery attempts to be a one-stop shop to its
customers. From the usual household needs to fresh produce, they got you covered!
 

Pros:
Since you're able to buy at high volumes, expect a higher profit margin compared when you do retail sales.
Simply put, a grocery is the provider of small sari-sari store owners!

Cons:
You might encounter inventory issues because of shelf over-stacking. In some cases, you might overstock
some products since most suppliers require grocery stores to purchase a certain quantity for a rebate or bulk
discounts.   

5. Kiosk / Carts
This type of store is ideally place inside malls or transport terminals to cater the need for people
looking for a quick grab of what they need in retail form.
 
  
Pros:
Cool, neat and catchy. If located on a place with good amount of foot traffic, can be very profitable because of
relatively cheaper price compared to convenience stores and supermarkets.
 
Cons:
You have limited items to offer and will require rental costs. Plus, you need someone to man the store at all
times.
  
6.TraditionalNipaHutStore
The store that probably started it all! Is there a place in the archipelago where you won't find one?

 
Pros:
Oh, how about that classic ambiance that certainly makes every Juan want to rest and buy something to eat?
This store sets the standard when it comes to retail fashion.

Cons:
Since it's a store in a friendly neighborhood, expect a lot of smokers to find this a convenient place to
puff and let time pass by. This store comes second when it comes to exposure from customers who
love to make “utang”.

7.HomeStore
Closely similar to that of a typical or Nipa Hut store, the only striking difference is that it's actually
attached to a house.

 
Pros:
This concept has the lowest start-up cost in terms of physical structure needed and is the easiest and most
practical way to open a sari-sari store business since there's no need to rent or build a store! All you need is a
table and a window which will serve as your store's counter!

Cons:
This store has the highest exposure to credits since it's the first thing that comes at your neighbors' minds when
they need something (and have nothing).

8.PortableCabinet Store
Last, but certainly not the least among the concepts is the portable or cabinet store. The concept is
pretty much straight-forward, the store opens and closes like a cabinet.
Pros:
All you would ever need is a wooden cabinet and a little creativity on how you'll display all your products and
that's it! It even looks like you're running a very good store even if you only shelled out a fraction for your
capital because you only have so few shelves to fill in!
 
Cons:
New or wandering customers might think that you only sell limited items (those displayed on your cabinet) and
might not even bother to ask if you sell this and that.

Do you have another store concept that is not included on my list? Share it below!

Do you own a store with one of the concepts I've mentioned? What are the advantages or disadvantages you
see or experience from having one? Please comment them below! Let's help our fellow sari-sari store owners
make their business grow! Cheers