Some Filipinos expressed disappointment over the pending closure of the standalone branches of a Korean grocery store, which had become a go-to spot for both daily necessities and specialty treats.
Reports said that 11 standalone No Brand stores will cease operations by the end of June 2026.
The Korean grocery store was brought to the Philippines by the Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc (RRHI) in 2019.
The retail conglomerate reportedly said the decision “reflects its ongoing efforts to simplify its portfolio and focus on retail formats that deliver strong and sustainable returns.”
RRHI added that No Brand “accounts for approximately 0.2% of annual net sales and constitutes a very small portion of the Company’s total assets.”
RRHI president and CEO Stanley Co also said that the decision to shut its standalone stores “reflects evolving consumer preferences and how customers are choosing to shop” across their retail formats.
“Our focus remains on meeting customer needs by providing relevant assortments in the most appropriate formats,” he added.
The news saddened patrons of the Korean grocery store, which has offered a variety of items, including Korean snacks, beverages, food, beauty products, and home essentials, at affordable prices.
“Noooo, ‘yung cereals nila, masarap ‘yun ah,” a Facebook user commented.
“Sarap pa naman mga chocolates diyan,” another said.
“Kaya pala wala ng No Brand products… I like their peanut butter,” another commented.
“Gusto ko ‘yung fabric conditioner nila na violet. Matagal lang magka-stock dito sa amin sa Shopwise, need talaga sumadya sa store nila,” a different Pinoy said.
“Omg nooo, my fave soft popcorn,” another commented.
“Noooooooooooooooooo, ‘yung fave kong hot choco,” a different online user said.
“My favorite Purple Chips,” another Pinoy wrote with a pleading face emoji.
“Masarap hot choco nila, kaso mahal. Sana mag-mega sale sila bago i-close,” a different Facebook user said.
“I knew it when I couldn’t find my favourite peach ice tea at Robinsons. Huhu,” another Pinoy said.
No Brand is known for offering ramyeon (Korean instant noodles), frozen Korean dumplings and kimchi, Melona ice cream, Lotte Luncheon Meat, and a wide range of No Brand snacks, including chips, cookies, biscuits and nuts.
The grocery store was founded in South Korea in 2015 and was marketed as “a customer-centric grocery store which prioritizes quality over brand and fancy packaging.”
READ: Reasons why Filipinos love Korean culture and products
