Filipinos’ monthly spending on sari-sari stores hit the lowest in two years at PHP 689.00 in 2024 despite the ease of inflation.

This is the latest finding from tech startup Packworks, through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool Sari IQ, which looked at over 1 million monthly sales transactions from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores across the Philippines.

Packworks observed that the Filipinos’ average basket size has dwindled since it started observing data in 2022. In 2022, the average basket size was PHP 800.00, which decreased to PHP 781.00 in 2023 and reached its lowest point last year.

This is despite the country hitting a 3.2% year-to-date inflation rate in 2024, the lowest in four years.

Region I (Ilocos Region) experienced the largest decrease at -31%, resulting in a PHP 570.00 monthly average basket, despite the region recording the lowest annual average inflation rate last year at 2.1%. This was followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with a -28% decrease and a PHP 702.00 monthly average basket, and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) with a -25% decrease and a PHP 508.00 monthly average basket.

In contrast, Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA) notably spent the most on sari-sari stores with monthly basket sizes at PHP 1,027.00 and PHP 1,237.00, respectively. These figures can be attributed to the improved economies in the regions, with CALABARZON accelerating by 5.6% and MIMAROPA by 4.4%.

Packworks’ data also showed that while Filipinos on average spent less, they visited sari-sari stores more frequently. Last year, its network of stores recorded an average of 18 monthly transactions nationwide, a 16% increase from around 15 transactions in 2023. Notably, Region I had the highest number of monthly transactions at 26, followed by Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) with 25, and Region V (Bicol Region) with 20.

Furthermore, Packworks’ business intelligence tool Sari IQ found that aside from declining sin products (cigarettes and liquor), seasoning and recipe mix items, detergent, powdered drinks, and hygiene products (shampoo and conditioner) were the most common goods that make up the typical baskets of a regular Filipino sari store.

Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel says that data underscores a trending shift in the “tingi” type of buying behaviour, which sees more frequent, smaller purchases, as a way for Filipinos to manage their purchasing power.

“The combination of Filipinos’ smaller basket sizes and more frequent visits to sari-sari stores points to a preference for buying in smaller, more affordable portions – the essence of the ‘tingi’ economy. This behavior likely stems from consumers needing to stretch their budget further, even in a lower inflation environment. They might be opting to buy only what they immediately need, rather than larger quantities less frequently to stock-up,” Montiel said.

Montiel adds that while data suggests Filipinos had it rough last year, there might be some optimism this year as inflation continues to ease and the recent midterm elections can indicate positive changes. These figures can help improve supply and demand side planning for logistics and inform policymakers on how to better support sari-sari stores and provide the correct numbers in order to uplift the local communities they serve.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s inflation rate eased further to 1.4% in April 2025, the lowest in more than five years.

Packworks CEO Bing Tan emphasizes the crucial role of sari-sari stores in providing a snapshot of the broader economic activities in the country.

“At Packworks, we see sari-sari stores as more than just cornerstones of our communities but vital barometers of the Philippine economy. Our latest data shows how Filipinos have adapted to economic realities from a macro to micro barangay level – a crucial finding that can help in crafting measures in helping economic eases trickle down to the grassroots level.”

Packworks’ Sari IQ is an advanced data analytics tool that processes data from sari-sari stores nationwide to help address the growing needs of store owners and its suppliers to serve its communities with greater efficiency.

For more info about Sari IQ and to uncover more in-depth data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.