SM City Sto. Tomas — Attraction in Santo Tomas

07 Jan 2024, around 5pm I have a bad experience with the SM supermarket. As usual, the cashier just focused to ask us to buy their eco bags. Then she didn't give me a receipt upon paying. I was busy with my kids, so I forgot to ask for a receipt, which must be given by cashier without being asked. As a result, they packed and gave us missing item, a plunger costed around 200php. This reminded me of the first time we went to SM grocery and bought a plunger, but I put it under the pushcart and forgot to check out. We pushed the pushcart out with the plunger under it without knowing. Hence, when we got our grocery, we left that plunger under the pushcart near the exit door inside SM. Going home, as my hsuband asked me, I just hoped that the guard saw it and put it back to the grocery. Another time, I only paid 3000php, but the cashier inputed 300,000php. Suggestion for improvement. 1. Eco bags aren't that good because it took a long time to dispose, comparing to paper bags. 2. If SM wants customer to return the pushcart, bc they don't allow to bring it inside the elevator, so they should use the pushcart locked by a coin, so customers will have an obligation to push back pushcart or someone else who does this can receive a coin as a reward. 17 Nov 2024, still a bad experience happend with this SM, and this time was the guard asking customers to open bag for checking at the entrance, and the way they check only to give a quick look inside. Actually, this is a usual practice of most malls in Philippines, which I cannot understand why. Theys aid to avoid people bringing bombs or weapons. But think about it, will those criminal will let those weapons be seen easily in their bag? Of course not. That checking is actually useless and causes an effect, a feeling of an unsafe country, unsafe Philippines to any foreigner or tourist. Malls in other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. don't have such checking, violating personal privacy. I only experience this issue in Philippines where normal guards can carry guns around, a very unsafe country yet self-claimed as...

TLDR: Traffic, the worst. Mall, inadequate parking spots. Child/family friendly. (Over)Crowded. Long lines.

On their opening week, SM and/or the city seems to not have anticipated the impact on traffic adequately. It's hell for everyone.

EDIT (as of Nov. 26, 2023): Finding a parking spot is always troublesome esp on weekends. Sundays bring hellish traffic beginning around late morning to noon.

The shops, restaurants, and foodcourt are always crowded esp during meal hours. The photos show piles of plates and utensils which were unattended for more than 15 minutes. Many people are standing around waiting for tables to open up. SM has only allotted 4 personnel for the whole foodcourt (we asked the busboy). SM does NOT appear to be equipped to handle peak volume at peak hours.

The grocery cashiers were also inadequate. Long lines with people lining up with their small blue baskets in big cart aisles didn't help 🙄 The grocery personnel didn't do anything to remind people to line up in the proper aisles (small baskets and big carts).

The mall is child/family friendly, with lots of Marvel/DC and animé statues and figures dotting the area, including the cinema area.

The guards, salespeople, and other mall staff are friendly and always ready with a greeting. I hope this culture stays, not just because the mall is new. We should always show visitors the Batangueño warmth and hospitality.

Hopefully when we come back home in the Christmas holidays, things would have been much better.

We always go home to Santo Tomas during holidays and vacations as we have family and relatives there, so we know the normal/usual traffic situation, which is a lot different...

SM Sto. Tomas: A Symphony of Elegance and Festivity! 🎄✨

Stepping into the newly minted SM Sto. Tomas is like entering a realm where modern elegance meets the spirit of Christmas. The pristine corridors and gleaming floors create an ambiance of freshness, making every visit a delightful experience.

The interiors of SM Sto. Tomas are a visual feast, a harmonious blend of contemporary design and functionality. The clean lines and thoughtfully arranged spaces contribute to a shopping environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

What captivates the senses even more is the enchanting display of Christmas decors that adorn the mall. From sparkling lights to festive ornaments, every corner is a testament to the joyous holiday spirit. The decorations not only infuse the mall with a sense of celebration but also create a magical atmosphere for shoppers and families alike.

Navigating through the mall is a breeze, thanks to the well-organized layout and spacious walkways. The diverse array of shops and boutiques cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Whether you're embarking on a shopping spree, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply soaking in the festive ambiance, SM Sto. Tomas invites you to revel in a retail experience that seamlessly marries sophistication with the warmth of the holiday season. 🛍️🎁 #SMStoTomas #FestiveElegance...