Subic has become popular for its establishments that sell imported and local goods. Up until recently, items sold here were tax-free, resulting to lower prices that made shopping in Subic ideal to many. Due to the Congress lifting Subic’s tariff exemptions, store owners were forced to increase their prices in order to survive. Despite that, Subic shopping still boasts of their malls that mostly carry American goods. Although there are no big malls around in Subic, here are some of the establishments that will allow you to enjoy Subic Bay shopping:
Freeport Exchange Mart – The Freeport Exchange Mart offers affordable brand items that are easy on the pocket. Visitors flock to the mart for their export overruns of brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren Old Navy, Banana Republic and Gap to name a few. The store is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily.
Puregold Duty Free Mall – Subic visitors who are working on a budget will find great items at the Puregold Duty Free Mall. Likened to Manila’s Puregold Malls, items found in the mall may not be too luxurious but still feature established brand names such as M&M’s, Revlon and Mars.
Arirang Mart – Representing the emergence of South Koreans, particularly in Subic Bay, the Arirang Market is a Korean mini-mart that offers a wide range of Korean products such as seasonings for japchea, galbi, sangyeopsal and beer. Kimchi products are also well-loved with an assortment of 35 different kinds of Kimchi flavors. Make sure to ask the help of an interpreter as most of the products do not have English labels.
Royal Subic Mall – Royal Subic Mall is the largest duty free shop in Subic Freeport and is owned and managed by the Rustan’s Corporation. This mall is a great choice for those who prefer luxury shopping as it boasts of the more popular brands such as Lacoste, Guess and Havaianas.
Bretto’s – Although not a mall, Bretto’s serves as a heaven for meat lovers. Bretto’s sells the freshest meats like steaks, sausages, beef and chicken. Many people head to establishment for one of the few places that importing genuine U.S. meat.
Uncle Ed’s – If Manila is flocked with 7-11 and Mini-stop convenience stores, Uncle Ed’s can be found in almost every corner around Subic. They have all the basic convenience store items that can also be seen all over the town of Binictican.
American Hardware – One of the few hardware stores in Subic, American Hardware carries a great variety of household products that are imported from the United States, hence the name. They also run the only car wash in Subic Bay.
Due to the removal of Subic’s tariff’s exemptions, most visitors cannot experience the same cheap price as people have enjoyed before. Make sure to have enough money whether in U.S dollars or pesos so you can shop all you want. But know that it doesn’t matter how much you can afford: owing to the sheer range of choices for stores and products, you can always find shopping in Subic a pleasurable activity that will definitely suit your budget.
Hold Your Horses at the El Kabayo Equestrian Center
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