Gateway Mall’s giant Christmas tree. Photo from Araneta Center’s Facebook page

MANILA – Shopping malls in various parts of the city have started holding pre-Christmas sales in the hope of getting Filipinos to open their wallets and spend more this holiday season.

Major retail spots in Cubao, Quezon City are set to have a “Holiday Rush Sale” on November 19 and 20, offering as much as 70% in discounts on selected items.
The Cubao sale covers Gateway Mall, Gateway Tower Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza and SM Store, with mall hours extended to 12 midnight on November 19, and up to 11 p.m. on November 20.

Tiendesitas, a shopping complex along C-5 Road, has kicked off its “Mega Brands Sale,” which will run until November 20. Various brands of shoes, bags, clothes, sporting goods, accessories and personal care items are sold at up to 70% off their regular prices.

Expect more shoppers to flock to North Avenue this weekend as TriNoma and SM North Edsa will offer markdowns on selected items. Mall hours have been extended to accommodate more customers.

Meanwhile in Makati, Power Plant Mall is encouraging shoppers to spend more with its pre-Christmas sale on November 19 and 20. Those who shell out P200,000 this weekend will get a VIP card that allows them to enjoy free movies and parking for six months.

Most malls have adjusted their operating hours this holiday season, which means more time for Filipinos to shop for Christmas gifts.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority previously asked malls along major thoroughfares to extend operating hours to lessen traffic congestion.