S&R Iloilo opens on Dec. 16, 2016

After more than two years of being a "rumor" S&R Membership Shopping finally opens in Iloilo this coming Dec. 16, 2016. Two more days to go and Ilonggos will have a new shopping experience...

S&R is a membership shopping store that only members can gain entry and shop (and dine inside). It is patterned after warehouse stores in the US that sees a whole range of products from grocery items to furniture plus bakeshop and delicatessen.

An estimated 80% of the goods sold is imported mainly from the US so this is like a US balikbayan box but you have the control of what's inside.

This could be a more practical approach especially for the Ilonggo OFWs and their families to have their pasalubong and balikbayan boxes become more "interactive"

I got the chance to have look inside when I accompanied my mother to apply for her extension card which gives the same privileges to the primary card holder but just half the annual membership fee.
Members can bring 3 non-members to shop anytime (they will be open 9am to 9pm but 10am on Dec. 16), they'll just need to present their card to bring in their guests.

There are two types membership - Gold and Business. Gold membership (PhP700/annual fee with PhP400 for the extension member (immediate family member only)- with the same privileges) is regular membership and is the easiest and most popular.

How to become a Gold Member at S&R
Check out membership requirements and privileges in details

In order to become a Business Member (PhP900/annual fee), you should have a business and need to present a business papers during the application. This is already good for two members with individual IDs plus rooms for extension members.

Membership applications are accepted inside the store and once approved you will receive a picture ID and a value coupon booklet which can be used to redeem items with a purchase requirements. The value coupon booklet is worth PhP 90,000 in savings and value once redeemed and is offered for a limited time only.

So what to expect? A big crowd on opening day and during the weekend! Imagine a very big store with lots of groceries to choose from, mostly imported items. I suggest to bring a cart (or even two) upon entry and search each aisle for items that appeals to your eyes, taste and of course budget (Hey, it's Christmas time - Hello 13th month pay and other bonuses).

I personally go and take time around the bakery section where most of the products are made with US ingredients and also take the US sizes.

And these muffins which usually are pasalubong for me are my favorites. They also have cheesecakes, cakes, cookies and lots of other baked goodies to choose from.

S&R Iloilo Snacks area

When done with your shopping spree, be prepared to enjoy the S&R "fastfood" which offers pizza, burgers, fries and more. Last time in Cebu, our main agenda was only to eat pizza that we have to go the the store though they have a stand alone pizzeria store.

The drinks comes unlimited - they only give you a large cup and you fill it up as many times as you want with different drinks that include sodas and juices.

And even for the pepperoni pizza alone, my gold membership is already worth it! But of course with lots of items to choose from, there is always something new and worth buying at S&R Membership Shopping!