SM Group’s Entry into the Convenience Store War: What It Means for Franchisees, Franchisors — and Why BFEX Matters Now More Than Ever
The Philippine franchising industry is heating up — and if you're a franchisee or a franchisor, there has never been a better time to get in the game. The latest shake-up? The SM Group is officially entering the convenience store space, taking direct aim at 7-Eleven’s long-held dominance.
But what does this retail clash mean for you? And how can you position yourself to ride this wave of growth and disruption?
Enter BFEX (Business and Franchise Exchange) — your strategic partner for everything franchising.
A Game-Changing Move in Philippine Retail
The SM Group, the country’s largest conglomerate with retail giants like SM Supermalls and Savemore, is now setting its sights on a new frontier: convenience stores. This bold move challenges Philippine Seven Corporation, the operator of 7-Eleven Philippines, which currently leads the market with over 3,500 stores nationwide.
According to a Nikkei Asia article, the SM Group is leveraging its retail ecosystem to expand into high-frequency retail spaces, banking on foot traffic, urban growth, and consumer preference for fast, accessible shopping experiences.
Translation? The convenience store segment is booming — and new players mean new opportunities for franchising.
What This Means for Franchisees
This is a wake-up call to all aspiring franchisees in the Philippines:
The market is growing, and fast.
Retail diversification is on the rise — especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
There’s a demand for locally-owned franchise outlets, especially those backed by powerful systems and trusted support networks.
Whether it’s convenience stores, food carts, health and wellness hubs, or digital services, franchising is becoming one of the most accessible, low-barrier entry points into business ownership.
And with new industry giants joining the fray, you’ll want to make sure your franchise venture is future-proofed, scalable, and strategically sound.
What This Means for Franchisors
For emerging brands looking to expand through franchising, this is the time to step forward.
The retail industry is undergoing a modern renaissance — digitization, consumer convenience, and local accessibility are driving innovation.
New markets are opening across the country, especially in underserved regions outside of Metro Manila.
Your brand could be the next big name — but only if you’re franchisable and franchise-ready.
Enter BFEX: Your Franchise Growth Partner
BFEX (Business and Franchise Exchange) is the Philippines’ leading franchise consultancy and growth platform for aspiring franchisors and smart franchise investors. Whether you're building a franchise model from scratch or scouting the next big franchise opportunity, BFEX helps you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.
Why BFEX Matters Now More Than Ever:
For Franchisees:
Get access to curated, high-potential franchise opportunities in emerging industries.
Use interactive tools like the Franchise ROI Forecast Form to assess risk and returns.
Receive professional mentorship and guidance from industry experts.
For Franchisors:
Develop your complete franchise blueprint — legal, operational, branding, and financial.
Tap into our AI-powered brand valuation engine, BRANDA, to assess if you're truly franchisable.
Use BFEX’s franchise marketing and lead generation ecosystem to attract quality franchisees.
Access nationwide and regional showcase opportunities like our “Galing Ng” campaign, featuring local brand heroes ready to franchise.
Trending Now: Convenience Store Franchising
Franchise development in convenience retail is evolving. The rise of community-centered formats, quick commerce, and 24/7 access makes convenience store franchising a top pick for investors looking for long-term scalability.
The battle between SM Group and 7-Eleven isn’t just about big brands. It’s about setting new standards in franchise systems, customer experience, and brand scalability.
With BFEX, you can ride this wave with the right tools, support, and strategic edge.
Capitalize on the Momentum: Join the Future of Franchising
BFEX helps you make smarter moves in an increasingly competitive landscape. Whether you’re just starting, growing your brand, or pivoting in response to market shifts, our end-to-end franchise development and exchange platform equips you for success.
Want to know if you’re franchisable? Curious about potential ROI before you invest? Need help scaling your brand the right way?
Talk to BFEX today.
Visit www.bfex.com.ph and let’s build your future in franchising.
BFEX — Where Franchising Futures Are Built.
Stay ahead of the market. Stay connected. Stay franchisable.
