Becoming an S&R Member

My friend Gie has been encouraging me to join S&R for the longest time.  For those who are not familiar with S&R, it is the new Macro (80's and 90's generation would be familiar with Macro).  It is a membership shopping/grocery facility.  The concept is that by paying the membership fee, you are entitled to the wholesale discounts that this establishment can offer.  

Officemates and friends have recommended this.  Local celebrities have been raving about it.  And once again,  one of my most trusted friends, Gie has been telling me to join.  Even our friend Christine thinks it is a good idea.

So on April 15, 2014, I decided to join.

Joining is relatively easy,  I went to S&R Alabang in West Gate and filled out a very short form.  Yes it is very short.  Just my name, address and contact details are needed.  Plus 2 valid IDs.  It was processed in less than 5 minutes.  I paid the individual membership fee of 700 (which is good for 1 year) and had my picture taken. Within minutes, my ID is available for me.  I can't use it the same day because it takes 24 hours to activate.  But they gave me a stub, to show the cashier just in case I wanted to use my membership right away. 

I was with my officemate Pi when I joined.  She was my guide.  We went aisle per aisle.  It was a huge facility.  With almost everything I can think of in it.  The prices may seem steep,  it could reach thousands.  But if you think about it, you will be saving a lot since it is for bulk/wholesale items. 

If you do the retail, it doesn't look like you are saving a lot.  For example, a Nestle Non-Fat milk is Php75 here.  That's only a few pesos savings from SM Supermarket, if you buy it in bulk, you are saving a lot.

For me, I find it worth the 700 pesos.  You have access to brands and items that are also not found in our local supermarkets.  A whole canister of chocolate coated almonds is around Php700, buy the same amount at the local grocery and you would probably end up paying twice.

S&R is not for the masses.  Our country is so used to the sachet system.  We buy everything in retail, in 'tingi' as we call it, thinking we are saving more when in reality we are not.  But the brands they offer are also not for the masses.

I suggest that if you are used to shopping at Rustan's, join S&R and you are sure to save a lot.  But then if you are shopping at Rustan's, you probably have enough money to not care about saving. 

Nonetheless, it is a fun experience and I can't wait to try it again.  I may not shop here regularly, but I know that with the Philippines' numerous holidays,  I would get back my Php700 in savings and more.  

I bought a bag of frozen broccoli and blueberries.  And I know I already saved a lot with just those 2 items.  Yes I know those are mundane purchases, but I am on a diet and I need those anyway.   

By the way, bring your own shopping bag if you are shopping in Alabang.  They don't have plastic bags nor paper bags.  They'll give you a cut out box and then you have to find a way to bring it out of the facility.  Most of the shoppers have their own car so it doesn't seem to matter.