SM Group is to collaborate with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to bring Disney brands closer to Filipinos through mall, retail, entertainment and amusement opportunities.
The two companies say they aim to bring Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars brands to life through “unique Disney experiences at SM’s many leisure and entertainment properties”.
Fans can look forward to a host of innovative offerings including Disney branded events, promotions and other unique experiences themed around fan-favorite Disney brands and characters.
“We are thrilled to be associated with the iconic Walt Disney Company,” said Edgar Tejerero, president of SM Lifestyle Entertainment.
“Henry Sy Sr envisioned and purposed a second home for Filipinos across the nation where they can create memorable bonding activities with their families through amusement facilities, retail centers, and food establishments, all found in one mall. Sixty-five years later, and with 52 malls across the Philippines, it had just been high time that SM forged an official collaboration with the best family entertainment company in the world,” Tejerero said.
Rob Gilby, MD of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, said Disney makes millions of Filipinos laugh and smile with its stories and characters every day.
“We have worked with the various arms of SM group over the years and today we are delighted to announce our collaboration on a comprehensive plan to create magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime for fans across the Philippines.”
SM says it has synergised the efforts of all its subsidiaries – including SM Supermalls, SM Markets, The SM Store, Toy Kingdom, and its lifestyle and entertainment arm, SM Lifestyle Entertainment – to produce a complete and one-of-a-kind Disney experience for its patrons: from the moment they enter the mall to watch a movie, to the time they purchase their favourite snack and Disney merchandise. Patrons can also take their SM Cinema and Disney experience with them home, or wherever they go, through the newly launched Blink app.
As a precursor to an already successful association, Disney and SM have worked together to bring multiple experiential events to the Filipino families such as the recent Avengers Experience in SM North Edsa, where guests were treated to life-size characters, Avenger-themed games, and a ‘meet and greet’ with Captain America, Thor and Black Widow.
To officially jump start their partnership, SM and Disney will be launching a “Star Wars Galactic Christmas” to welcome the latest instalment of the movie, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The exhibit will include life-size figurines of characters from the movie, interactive games, and official merchandise from the SM Store and Toy Kingdom.