Filipino tech startup Packworks recorded a 32% increase in transacting sari-sari stores through its Sari.PH Pro app in 2024, reaching over 175,000 stores from 133,000 the previous year.

Region VI (Western Visayas) led the growth with a 62% rise in active stores, followed by Region IV-A (CALABARZON) at 50% and Region V (Bicol Region) at 47%.

Other notable increases were seen in Region III (Central Luzon) with 26% and Region VII (Central Visayas) with 21%, driven by higher transactions during the “ber” months from September to December.

On average, the country saw a 12% boost in transacting stores, reflecting growing digital adoption among micro-retailers.

Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) faced a significant drop in transactions, falling by 20% in April and 38% in May, coinciding with the impact of Typhoon Aghon.

Packworks highlighted the need for better access to essential services like internet and electricity to support store resilience, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

Founded in 2018, Packworks now connects over 300,000 sari-sari stores across 96% of the country’s provinces, covering 15,000 barangays and nearly 23% of the estimated 1.3 million sari-sari stores nationwide.

The Sari.PH Pro app offers business tools like pricing insights, inventory management, sales tracking, and working capital loans to empower micro-retailers in the Philippines.