SM Cubao, Manila

SM Cubao, situated in Manila, holds a notable position among the SM Supermalls, a prominent chain of shopping centers in the country. Under the ownership of SM Prime Holdings Inc., the leading shopping mall and retail operator in the Philippines, SM Supermalls boasts a wide network of 36 malls nationwide and four additional branches in China. The roots of SM Supermalls can be traced back to the 1950s when Henry Sy Sr. established the company, originally named Shoemart. Starting as a series of shoe outlets, the first store opened on Avenida Rizal in Manila in October 1958.

As time progressed, Shoemart transformed from its modest origins into a comprehensive department store. By the 1970s, it expanded its presence to key locations, including the Makati commercial center and Cubao. The inauguration of the Cubao branch, located at Harrison Plaza in Manila, marked a significant milestone in the company's expansion. This was followed by another branch in Delgado, Iloilo. The evolution of Shoemart into SM Supermalls represented an innovative step in the Philippine shopping mall industry, laying the groundwork for the growth of the retail sector.

The establishment of SM Cubao and other SM malls has had an impact on urban culture in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, visiting these malls, particularly on weekends, has become a part of their lifestyle, offering a diverse array of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The success story of SM Supermalls, transitioning from a single shoe store to a vast network of shopping centers, highlights its significant role in shaping the retail landscape in the Philippines.