19 May 2025 Manila, Philippines — Filipinos’ monthly spending on sari-sari stores hit the lowest in two years at PHP 689.00 in 2024 despite the ease of inflation.

This is the latest finding from tech startup Packworks, through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool Sari IQ, which looked at over 1 million monthly sales transactions from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores across the Philippines.

Packworks reports that Filipinos’ average basket size dropped since 2022. In 2022, it was PHP 800.00. By 2023, it decreased to PHP 781.00. Last year, it reached its lowest level. However, the country recorded a 3.2% year-to-date inflation rate in 2024, the lowest in four years.

Region I (Ilocos Region) saw the largest decrease at -31%, ending with a PHP 570.00 monthly average basket. Surprisingly, this happened even though the region recorded the lowest annual average inflation rate last year at 2.1%. The National Capital Region (NCR) had a -28% decrease and a PHP 702.00 monthly average basket. Meanwhile, Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) posted a -25% decrease and a PHP 508.00 monthly average basket.

Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA) spent the most on sari-sari stores. Their monthly basket sizes reached PHP 1,027.00 and PHP 1,237.00, respectively. These higher figures reflect the improved economies in these regions. CALABARZON’s economy grew by 5.6%, and MIMAROPA’s by 4.4%.

Packworks data shows Filipinos spent less but visited sari-sari stores more frequently. Last year, the network recorded an average of 18 monthly transactions nationwide. This marks a 16% increase from around 15 transactions in 2023. Region I had the highest number of monthly transactions at 26. Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) followed with 25, and Region V (Bicol Region) had 20.

Furthermore, Packworks’ business intelligence tool Sari IQ found that aside from declining sin products (cigarettes and liquor), seasoning and recipe mix items, detergent, powdered drinks, and hygiene products (shampoo and conditioner) were the most common goods that make up the typical baskets of a regular Filipino sari store.

Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel says that data underscores a trending shift in the “tingi” type of buying behaviour, which sees more frequent, smaller purchases, as a way for Filipinos to manage their purchasing power.

“The combination of Filipinos’ smaller basket sizes and more frequent visits to sari-sari stores points to a preference for buying in smaller, more affordable portions – the essence of the ‘tingi’ economy. This behavior likely stems from consumers needing to stretch their budget further, even in a lower inflation environment. They might be opting to buy only what they immediately need, rather than larger quantities less frequently to stock-up,” Montiel said.

Montiel adds that data suggests Filipinos faced challenges last year. However, there might be optimism this year as inflation continues to ease. Furthermore, the recent midterm elections can indicate positive changes ahead. These figures can help improve supply and demand planning for logistics. They also inform policymakers on how to better support sari-sari stores. By providing accurate numbers, they can uplift the local communities these stores serve.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s inflation rate eased further to 1.4% in April 2025. This is the lowest inflation rate in more than five years.

Packworks CEO Bing Tan emphasizes the crucial role of sari-sari stores. He explains they provide a snapshot of broader economic activities in the country.

“At Packworks, we see sari-sari stores as more than just cornerstones of our communities but vital barometers of the Philippine economy. Our latest data shows how Filipinos have adapted to economic realities from a macro to micro barangay level – a crucial finding that can help in crafting measures in helping economic eases trickle down to the grassroots level.”

Packworks developed Sari IQ, an advanced data analytics tool that processes data from sari-sari stores nationwide. This tool helps address the growing needs of store owners and their suppliers. It enables them to serve their communities with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

For more info about Sari IQ and to uncover more in-depth data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.