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SM blends online, offline to adapt to pandemic

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/06/25/sm.jpg"/><figcaption>Social distancing and other protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19 are implemented inside SM North in Quezon City on May 27, 2020. Jontahan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA -- The SM group said Wednesday it was transforming retail to an online-offline &quot;hybrid&quot; to weather the coronavirus pandemic that required minimal physical contact.SM malls launched click-and-collect, curbside pick-up, smartphone messaging communities for deliveries and concierge style personal shopping via social media, holding firm SM Investments Corp told the stock exchange.&quot;This pandemic has made us focus even more on two important things for our customers: convenience and safety. And two things for ourselves: adaptability and transformation,&quot; SM Investments Vice Chair Teresita Sy-Coson said.&quot;Coming from the lockdown, we’ve been able to operate hybrid ways of reaching our customers and we are excited to strengthen these offerings,&quot; she said.Shopping malls gradually reopened from an 11-week lockdown of Metro Manila and urban centers that ended on May 31. From June 1, businesses reopened at limited capacity under a general community quarantine that will be in place at least until June 30.Combining online and offline capabilities will help SM meet the demand of evolving customer needs, said SM Investments President Frederic DyBuncio. The group also approved the declaration of cash dividends to shareholders worth P5.1 billion, according to the disclosure.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/15/20/sm-megaworld-to-reopen-malls-on-may-16-with-health-protocols">SM, Robinsons, Megaworld to reopen malls on May 16 with health protocols</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/11/20/sm-stocked-with-disinfectant-basic-goods-as-shoppers-seek-coronavirus-defense">SM &#x27;stocked&#x27; with disinfectant, basic goods as shoppers seek coronavirus defense</a></li></ul>

The SM group said Wednesday it was transforming retail to an online-offline "hybrid" to weather the coronavirus pandemic that required minimal physical contact.

The SM group said Wednesday it was transforming retail to an online-offline "hybrid" to weather the coronavirus pandemic that required minimal physical contact.