2024 was yet another year of new trends that made waves and got everybody talking. An unmissable example would be the anik-aniks that had everybody crazed and the blind boxes that tested people's patience until they got what they really wanted. The demand got so high for these products that some collectors even order and get their items shipped from abroad (sometimes, even rely on overpriced resellers just the secure the goods, IYKWIM). But thankfully, it wasn't only the trend and hype that reached the Philippines, because a couple of new stores opened here as well. And yes, this includes where you could buy Labubu and Hirono.
The most exciting new stores that opened in Metro Manila in 2024:
POP MART
First on this list is also a fan favorite (for good reason), which is POP MART. The Chinese toy company has everybody hooked on their designer plushies. Each collection is designed by a different artist which gives each one a distinct personality and style. They are so popular, that even Marian Rivera is an avid collector of these anik-aniks (she's just like us, FR)! One of their most famous collectibles is the Labubu, part of the Monsters series, designed by Kasing Lung in 2015. POP MART opened its first pop-up store at the SM Mall of Asia in November. They are located on Level 2 of the North Entertainment Mall.
As it is only a pop-up, though, it's set to close on December 31. Initially, since the shop is quite cramped as well, POP MART required reservations before eager patrons could get inside, during its opening week of November 2 to 6.
Love, Bonito
If there are brands befitting a true Cosmo girl, Love, Bonito, is surely one of them. Thankfully, we have our first Philippine branch up in Greenbelt 3, Level 2 so we don't have to guess if we got the right size anymore, hoping and praying it fits when the parcel arrives. Even better news is that they've opened the doors to their second home at Power Plant Mall on December 12, reaching more Cosmo girls and patrons just in time for the holidays!
Top Ten
Filipinos are such big supporters of the Hallyu wave (myself included). From stanning different K-pop groups and being captivated by a new bias with each performance, to binge-watching newly dropped K-dramas, and simply even craving and eating Samgyupsal, shows how widely loved Korean pop culture is here. Throughout the years, many Korean brands have opened in the Philippines exciting the fans, like the famous food chain bb.q Chicken which opened their first franchise in the country back in 2022. In 2024, among the Korean companies that came to Manila, is Top Ten. Known as Korea's top clothing brand, Top Ten opened its flagship Southeast Asian branch at the SM Mall of Asia. They also unveiled their second branch in Gateway Mall, Araneta, Cubao.
Allbirds
Moving a bit downward on the world map, sustainable Australian shoe brand Allbirds also made its debut in the Philippines in 2024. This cult-favorite brand opened its flagship store in SM Megamall. Allbirds boasts machine-washable shoes for under P6,000. What's even cooler is that they have a 30-day return rule, wherein you can give back the shoes if "you don't feel like you're walking on cloud nine." And yep, it's no questions asked. That's how sure they are of their quality.
Anko
Another brand from Down Under that came to the Philippines in 2024 is Anko. They opened their flagship store at Glorietta 2 in November. They are located at the Ground Level. It is now another go-to that people flock to for their home furnishing needs, among other merchandise they offer, especially since they offer goodies at really affordable price points that even start as low as P50. They made it just in time for Christmas, too—for some gift-giving or your decorations!
Nitori
Another must-visit for furniture and home furnishings shop that opened in the Philippines in 2024 is Japan's Nitori. And while not all of us can just fly to Japan that easily (we have the visa requirements riiiight here), you can shop some top-tier Japanese-quality goodies at their first-ever store in the Philippines. It's located at the Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, which they opened earlier in 2024. They unveiled their second branch in Glorietta and another store in SM Mall of Asia in August.
Cheak
For sure, the Pilates Princesses out there were happy to know that Singapore's cult-favorite activewear brand Cheak is now available to shop in-store at The Editor's Market in The Podium. While the Love, Bonito-acquired label has yet to open a standalone branch in the Philippines, patrons can buy and ship directly from their website, too.
Spatio
Spatio is a new concept store at the Opus Mall in Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. It's quite literally a one-stop shop that offers something for everyone. The concept store spans three levels, starting from the second to the fourth floor of the new QC mall. It boasts local designer brands as Zarah Juan and Rhett Eala to name a few and cult favorites like adidas and New Balance at Sole Academy. All that while offering self-care services too at LayBare Plus and Bruno's Barbers. And if you're tired from going around such a big and eventful space and need a pick me up, you can either choose caffeine from We The People or wine from Bar Shu. So whether you're in a hurry and want to find everything all in one place or you want to spend time with your family and friends with no one being left behind, then this holiday season, Spatio is a good place to drop by.
Atmos
Another Japanese-founded brand that came its way to Manila in 2024 is Atmos. They opened their flagship branch at the Bonifacio High Street Mall in March. They carry brands like Puma, Asics, Hoka, Vans, Nike, Sporty & Rich and more. While the store is a new shoe haven for sneakerheads, it's not the only thing Atmos showcases. They also have the Otaku Room, a well-thought-of space by Atmos Japan's Creative Director Koji, that serves as a catch-up space between sneaker fans. Of course, chit-chat is always better with some coffee and the Yardstick bar has it covered. They even curated an Atmos-exclusive drink, the Harajuku latte that is truly befitting of the space.
Le Labo
For the fragrance final bosses out there, New York-based fragrance brand Le Labo finally opening a standalone store in the Philippines is a dream come true. Meaning, they no longer need to buy whenever they go to a country that carries the brand or make pasabuy (which honestly, is not the same experience as to buying in store at all). They are located at the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 5 where you can take a whiff at their signature scent, the Santal 33.
Niko And...
Yes, and....last but certainly not the least, is yet another Japanese brand opened their first-ever store in Mall Of Asia and it is no other than Niko And... The Japanese lifestyle brand that seemingly has something for everyone finally opened their flagship branch in the Philippines. From J-style streetwear to kawaii women's clothing, bags, and anik-aniks, Niko And... seems to have it all. Don't believe me? They even have a coffee nook for those who need a pick me up after browsing through all those goodies!
