Indonesian convenience chain Alfamart is set to expand into the Philippines.

Alfamart, with 8557 outlets at its home market, is currently in discussions with SM Group for a retail joint venture.

“We are still planning with them,” Teresita Sy-Coson, SM Investments vice chairwoman said.

SM Retail operates 245 stores, consisting of 48 SM Stores, 39 SM Supermarkets, 40 SM Hypermarkets , 96 Savemore stores and 22 WalterMart stores. It plans to enter the convenience store sector to follow the strategies of Ayala Land which partnered with FamilyMart of Japan and Puregold Price Club which tied up with Lawson.

Meanwhile, the leading convenience store brand in the Philippines, 7-Eleven, is increasing its investments to expand its network to fend off its existing and incoming competitors.