8 Ways Sari-Sari Stores Stayed Strong During the Philippines’ Record Typhoon Season

The Philippines faced its most destructive typhoon season in 2024, but sari-sari stores rose as pillars of resilience for storm-hit communities.

Packworks.io, a Filipino tech startup, analyzed over one million monthly transactions from 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide through its Sari IQ platform to uncover how these neighborhood stores adapted during and after disasters.

Here are eight key findings from the study:

1. Sales Soared After Storms

Instead of shutting down, sari-sari stores thrived. Sales data showed a 27% increase in average daily GMV and a 50% rise in transactions just a month after six typhoons struck between October 23 and November 18, 2024.

2. Bicol Region Led the Surge

Bicol, often the first to face incoming storms, became the biggest driver of growth. Stores here saw a 50% spike during typhoons and an additional 26% rise afterward. Camarines Norte recorded the highest increase with a 105% jump in GMV.

3. Gin and Cigarettes Topped Sales During Typhoons

Despite the crisis, discretionary goods sold the most. Gin sales grew 14% across seven provinces, while cigarettes rose 12% across six. Essentials like powdered coffee and biscuits also remained staples for families seeking comfort.

4. Detergent Demand Surged After Cleanup Began

As households recovered, priorities shifted. Detergent became one of the top-selling items across five provinces, holding a 7% GMV share. Cleaning up storm damage fueled this spike.

5. Women Store Owners Powered Community Resilience

With three out of four sari-sari stores owned by women, female entrepreneurs played a critical role in sustaining access to food and essentials when supply chains broke down.

6. 2024 Marked a Historic Typhoon Season

The year saw eight typhoon names retired by PAGASA, the most since the weather bureau’s naming system began in 2001, underscoring the severity of last year’s storms.

7. Packworks Stressed the Need for Data-Driven Planning

“These findings challenge the idea that small businesses collapse during disasters,” said Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel. Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap added that analyzing grassroots demand is key for smarter logistics and policymaking.

8. The Storm Threat Is Far From Over

On average, 20 tropical cyclones enter the PAR each year, with 8–9 making landfall. For September 2025 to February 2026, PAGASA projects 7 to 15 tropical cyclones, highlighting the continuing role of sari-sari stores in disaster recovery.

For more seasonal insights and data trends, visit packworks.io or follow Packworks on Facebook.