The National Statistics Office (NSO) defines retail trade as the resale of new and used goods for personal and household consumption. Retailers are not engaged in production and manufacture of products. Instead, they buy in bulk or wholesale and sell repacked products.

As of 2012, the majority of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in operation are in the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle industries. The proliferation of retail business establishments is attributed to demand of their products which constitute the core of household spending of a typical Filipino. Retail business shows a great potential as a business and investment opportunity.

(Source: National Statistics Office, Department of Trade and Industry)