LOOK: ZARA reopens at Greenbelt 5 as tech-forward, flagship store

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The revamped branch now has three floors, automatic self check-out counters, dedicated perfume spaces, and more

MANILA, Philippines – After months of renovations, ZARA has officially reopened its doors in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City as the local franchise’s sole flagship store, now spanning three expansive levels and featuring a fresh, new minimalist design from the ZARA Architecture Studio in Spain.

GREENBELT 5 ENTRANCE. Images by Steph Arnaldo/Rappler

The refreshed look is sleek, bright, and more modern. But one of the biggest changes? Space. If you remember squeezing through crowded racks in the old store, bumping other shoppers’ elbows, the revamp prioritizes a more relaxed, slow-paced shopping experience within the 1,700 square meters of retail space.

FIRST LEVEL RACKS

Each level has a purpose: the first floor displays women’s wear that leans toward smart-casual, classics, and staples.

SECOND LEVEL STYLES.

The second floor is also for women, but more on laid-back summer pieces — think breezy sundresses, pastel tones, sporty styles, and accessories like shoes and bags.

PASTELS AND MORE CASUAL PIECES.

The third floor is for menswear and kids’ apparel.

Also a first for the country, each floor has its own dedicated perfume spaces, displaying all of ZARA’S signature scents, including limited-edition collab collections.

LARGER PERFUME SPACE

Technology is king

ZARA Greenbelt 5 isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s also called the most “innovative store to date” in the Philippines. The branch also carries the brand’s most up-to-date clothing collections.

LARGER SPACE.

There are now assisted self-checkout counters on every level — just drop your items (clothing, accessories, shoes, and perfumes) into a designated sunken area, and the system magically detects each piece. There’s no need for scanning; just pay with your card, pack your items, and you’re done.

SELF-CHECKOUT AREA.

There’s also a streamlined, more efficient fitting room experience. Someone is always on hand to assist those in line, and an overhead light system signals which rooms are occupied or available.

DO-IT-YOURSELF PAYMENTS AND CHECKOUT.

Need another size? Staff members (over 70 of them) have handy QR scanners attached to their pockets to instantly check if your size is in stock or if a certain design is available.

The brand’s app also has a new fitting room reservation service, an in-store pickup for online orders within two hours, and the option to search for items online to check stock availability in the store.

The store also has specific check-out areas for returns and exchanges.

ZARA also call its flagship store “eco-efficient,” using energy-saving LED lighting, optimized heating and cooling systems, and a dedicated recycling area for cardboard packaging. It’s also connected to Inditex’s Inergy platform, which monitors energy consumption to reduce environmental impact. – Rappler.com