Business tycoon Manny Villar is returning to what made him successful: property development and leasing. After years of featuring mostly Villar-owned retail brands in his malls, insiders say he’s now opening up empty spaces to other retailers, including brands from outside developers.
The move makes sense in today’s retail landscape, where foot traffic and new tenants have slowed in some areas. By welcoming outside brands, Villar keeps his malls lively while making sure empty spaces generate steady rental income.
From Own Brands to a Flexible Mix
Over the years, Villar built a strong retail ecosystem in his developments. Big anchors like AllHome for home improvement, AllDay Supermarket for groceries, and Vista Mall to showcase his brands were complemented by lifestyle and food spots like Coffee Project, Dear Joe, and Bake My Day. These helped draw shoppers and create a complete shopping experience.
While this approach gave him full control, it also carried risks. When consumer demand dipped, some spaces stayed empty, adding to operational costs. Opening up these spaces to outside tenants helps fill vacancies and keeps the malls vibrant.
Filling Spaces, Boosting Business
By letting other retailers move in, Villar can quickly turn empty areas into active revenue streams. This strengthens cash flow, raises occupancy, and attracts more shoppers, giving a boost to the overall mall environment. A more diverse mix of tenants also keeps the shopping experience fresh for everyone.
A Smart Return to His Strengths
This move shows Villar’s enduring expertise in real estate. He built his success on housing and mixed-use developments, where high occupancy and steady rental income matter most. By combining flexibility with his core property strengths, Villar is reinforcing his business fundamentals while keeping his malls competitive and relevant in a changing market.
