Retail stations are the most frequented and most recognizable touchpoints by customers and serve as the face of companies to the public. Pilipinas Shell is the second-largest fuel retail network in the country and has more than 1,100 retail stations that provide opportunities to do more than just serve as venues for refueling.
“Every retail station has a social cause, but very few of our customers know that,” said Country Chairman Cesar G. Romero. “We aim to contribute to society in the advocacies that we adopt and promote onsite, and by creating a gathering place where people can safely connect, while properly observing COVID protocols, and learn from each other,” he added.
Currently, Pilipinas Shell’s retail stations are in the process of being transformed into sustainable stations that will also cater to the needs of surrounding communities, making sure that Pilipinas Shell offers what is relevant to the community. This customer-centric approach is a testament to how its stations have evolved to cope with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community hubs and sustainability at Shell sites
Early last year, Pilipinas Shell launched Shell Mango, the pioneering next-generation station located in General Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City. Prior to opening, the company conducted focus group discussions among the locals to be able to build a station that would fit the community’s way of life. It was co-created with students and faculty from the University of San Carlos.
“It was really a collaborative effort, because we wanted to make sure that the new generation retail station we built was useful, relevant, and something that the community can call their own,” said Randy del Valle, Vice President for Retail.
Shell Mango features a PUV terminal, a Shell Select and deli2go convenience store, and a Shell Helix Oil Change+ Service Center. On the second floor, it has a hangout and study space for students, food kiosks selling homegrown products, and a freedom wall where customers can share their advocacies.
The site’s double-walled tanks and oil and water separator are well maintained to ensure the integrity of the site. New features were also added to include a self-irrigating plant wall and a rainwater collector allowing the station to use run-off water for plants in the landscaped area.
Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-launched Shell Pook Ligaya in Diliman, Quezon City will also utilize sustainable elements such as solar energy panels, LED lights, ecobricks, and green walls to make the station more energy-efficient and inviting.
“Sustainability has become key as the company expands, updates, and upgrades the retail network. By pursuing smart energy solutions, we hope to fulfill this ambition to reduce our overall carbon footprint significantly,” said John Aldwin Angeles, Brand and Communications Manager for Retail. “We only have one planet. Shell balances harnessing the Earth’s energy and caring for it by ensuring that our retail stations are equipped to save energy and reduce waste.”
The next-gen stations are set to be replicated across the country to respond to the needs of motorists and local residents while enhancing their well-being, maintaining safety protocols, properly managing waste, and saving on energy to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the company.
At present, more than 50 stations across the country are already powered by solar energy, use LED lighting and inverter technologies, and utilize paints with reduced nitrogen oxide contributing to Shell Retail’s global ambition of achieving 50% carbon emissions for all sites.
Prioritizing your safety amid COVID-19
Responding to the new normal, Shell stations proactively enforce safe and protective measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All forecourt service champions in retail stations nationwide undergo health checks before reporting to their workstations. They are also trained on all proper sanitation methods, equipped with facemasks, and strictly practice physical distancing. All pumps, air and water equipment, and other customer common areas such as toilets, are regularly cleaned and sanitized. At Shell Select and deli2go stores, proper handling of food and other goods coming from accredited suppliers is observed.
Taking it a step further, the company has partnered with other businesses such as GCash for contactless payments. Shell lubricants can now be purchased from Lazada and Shopee. Partner food establishments have also re-opened to offer take-out and delivery. Through the collaborative efforts of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Mayani, organic vegetables and fruits are also available at pioneer 10 Shell Select sites as well as on Mayani’s online platform supporting the livelihood of our partner local farmers.
For more information about Shell in the Philippines, visit www.shell.com.ph.