The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an investment of up to USD15 million to expand the reach of discount retail chain DALI Stores in the Philippines with the aim of increasing access to groceries for low-income people and creating more jobs.
DALI is the first company in the Philippines to focus on hard discount retailing. (Photo: DALI)
“Almost half of households in the Philippines are moderately or severely food insecure, and rising inflation is making it more expensive for them to purchase essential household products,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “ADB’s support for DALI’s expansion will contribute to food security and food safety by ensuring essential products are available to consumers at affordable prices, in a hygienic environment, and by integrating local agricultural suppliers into the company’s supply chains.”
DALI is the first company in the Philippines to focus on hard discount retailing, establishing stores mostly in rural and peri-urban communities instead of premium commercial centers in the cities. Hard discount retailing keeps product prices low through high sales volume of a limited product range and lean operations.
The discount store maintains low product prices through high sales volume of a limited product range and lean operations. (Photo: DALI)
The project will also finance off-grid rooftop solar panels for 200 stores and 5 distribution centers including green building certification for sample buildings and reducing at least 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2026.
As of 2022, DALI had more than 250 retail stores and three distribution centers in the south of Metro Manila.