Hi Market Lovers!😍
Way back, I was not into shopping nor going to the Market, not until when the Covid-19 pandemic hit my country. As Albert Einstein said "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity", it was then during the height of the Pandemic that I opened my small merchandising business, the " Sari-Sari" store. I see this as an opportunity to sell merchandise especially basic commodities to my neighbors.
No one was allowed to go outside at that time, many business establishments had closed, and it was difficult to go to the market to get some groceries due to the strict restrictions and Health protocols of Covid-19! It was then, that an idea came to life, an idea of opening a grocery store so people in my place could easily buy their needs just in the neighborhood.
Fresh from the market with my purchase.
I opened a "sari-sari" store which then became a hit. Since then too, my face is always present at the market and malls every weekend to purchase commodities and stocks for my small store.
In this blog inspired by the amazing @MarketFriday community initiated by the lovely 
To begin with, let us first define what is a "Sari-sari Store"?
Sari-Sari Store is a small convenience store in the neighborhood. It provides necessities from daily food, cleaning supplies, school supplies and so many more. This type of store is famous throughout the Philippines and in several Asian countries.
My humble sari-sari store
New arrangement.
In my sari-sari store, I sell merchandise such as agrivet or poultry supplies, rice and corn, school supplies, over-the-counter medicines(few stocks), LPG and so many more. These products/supplies are the ones I buy and purchase at the downtown market every weekend (or any day that I am available) for restocking.
The Agrivet or Poultry Product
For the animal feeds and medicines, I purchase this product in two of the biggest Agrivet Store in the town: Noelsky Store and Pacifica. The former is the cheapest among all stores in the town, while the latter has displayed various products and has many branches across the country.
Every time I go to the market and buy poultry products, I usually go first to Noelsky Store. A 50kg 1 sack of animal feeds cost around 1,600-2,000pesos (28~36 USD) while a 25kg 1 sack of feeds cost around 800-1000pesos(14~18 USD) depending on its kind. Brands such as Warhawk, Thunderbird, Unifeeds, and Bmeg are what I usually buy. Normally, for the poultry products, I spend more or less 7,000 pesos (126 USD) a week.
Plenty of Stocks!
"Kuya" the staff preparing my orders.
Rice, Corn, and Groceries
For the groceries such as noodles, canned goods, toiletries, and more, I always shop at Prince Warehouse Shop. This warehouse sells the cheapest among other grocery stores in the market. Every time I shop there, I spend around 2,000-4,000 pesos (35~72 USD)a week. Whereas, the rice and corn, my supplier for this are in the other store.
This is where I buy the rice and corn.
Tips to consider Where to purchase your Merchandise be it personal or for business.
💡As we all know, there are various stores in the market selling almost everything we need or the one-stop shop. If you are like me, who is particular with the price differences no matter how small it is, I strongly suggest you make a thorough canvass first of all shops in the market: price difference, brands, etc.
💡Secondly, ask for the wholesale price, and the minimum pieces you should purchase to avail of certain discounts. Many stores are giving offers and promotions about this. That is why, if you are planning to have a store, do not purchase your stocks or products at malls, rather go to whole seller stores and local stores to avail discounts and freebies.
While there are lots of tips and advice in buying merchandise and some considerations for it if you are into a merchandising business, the tips I shared are just a few on the list and are based on my experience as a small merchandise business owner. I have learned that purchasing the right quantity of each of your items from suppliers at the right time matters. So don't get be easily persuaded by the "Sales" promo, instead be wise in purchasing.
And here are some photos of my store.
My mother and my one staff were busy restocking and arranging our newly purchased supplies.
Though my store is small, it's not that big yet but I am proud and happy with this side hustle of mine. Because of this, I was able to (understand), rather, be conscious of the economics and what is happening in the market. I was also able to meet some potential partners such as agents and distributors of several products.
I plan of growing my store and hopefully expand 2 to 3 years from now. I love the idea of bringing the Market to the neighborhood. I was driven by the quote of Richard Branson which says "A big business starts small".
Ever since I started my small business, I always had a blissful market trip.
Before I end this blog let me share with you this quote from Forbes.
" There is no downside to a side hustle. There are only benefits to building more than one source of income. A side hustle is the new job security".
That's it! Have a blast Hivers!🤗