Where to Shop for Essentials: Groceries, Books, and School Supplies

Living in a new city—whether as a student or a professional—requires knowing where to get your daily essentials. In Baguio City, you’ll find a wide variety of shops that cater to different needs and budgets, from large supermarkets to small local stores. This guide covers the best places to buy groceries, books, and school supplies, along with tips for saving money and shopping conveniently in the City of Pines.

Grocery Shopping in Baguio City

Major Supermarkets

If you want to do your weekly grocery run in one go, Baguio offers several well-stocked supermarkets with everything from fresh produce to imported goods.

1. SM Supermarket (SM City Baguio)
Located inside SM City Baguio, this is the city’s most convenient supermarket for students and residents. It has a wide range of local and international products, household supplies, snacks, and toiletries. It’s especially popular for its air-conditioned comfort and accessibility via public transport.

2. Puregold Baguio
Puregold is known for its bulk and budget-friendly options, making it perfect for dorm residents or students sharing apartments. You can find items in larger quantities at wholesale prices, from rice and canned goods to toiletries.

3. Robinsons Supermarket (Abanao Square)
Located downtown, Robinsons Supermarket offers a clean, organized environment and quality products. It’s slightly more expensive than local markets, but you’ll get consistent quality and imported items not easily found elsewhere.

4. Savemore Market (various branches)
A smaller version of SM Supermarket, Savemore branches are spread across Baguio and ideal for quick grocery trips. It’s a reliable choice for everyday essentials when you don’t want to visit a large mall.

Public Markets for Fresh Produce

Baguio is famous for its fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to its location in the Cordilleras. The city’s markets are some of the best places to buy affordable and high-quality local products.

1. Baguio City Public Market
Located along Session Road, this market is the heart of the city’s commerce. You can buy fresh vegetables, strawberries, coffee beans, and local delicacies at lower prices than in supermarkets. For students who cook, this is the best place to save money on produce.

2. Hilltop Market
A bit smaller than the public market but still vibrant, Hilltop Market is popular among locals for its cheaper prices and friendly vendors. It’s ideal for fresh meat and seafood.

3. La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post
Just outside Baguio, this is where most of the vegetables in the region come from. If you need large quantities or want the freshest picks for the week, this is worth the short trip.

Convenience Stores and Mini Marts

For late-night or emergency purchases, you can rely on 24-hour convenience stores throughout the city.

• 7-Eleven and Ministop: Found in almost every neighborhood, near universities and dormitories.

• Alfamart: Offers basic grocery items and snacks, often located near residential areas.

• Local sari-sari stores: Found in every barangay, they sell daily essentials in smaller quantities and often at cheaper prices.

Tip: Always bring a reusable shopping bag since Baguio enforces eco-friendly regulations limiting plastic bag use.

Where to Buy Books in Baguio City

Baguio has a long history as an educational hub, home to several universities like Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of Baguio (UB). Whether you’re looking for academic textbooks, novels, or stationery, the city has many bookshops and second-hand stores.

Major Bookstores

1. National Book Store (SM City Baguio and Abanao Square)
This is the go-to place for textbooks, notebooks, pens, and art supplies. National Book Store also carries reference books and literature used by major schools in the city.

2. Bookends Bookshop (near Session Road)
A charming second-hand bookstore, Bookends is popular among students looking for affordable used books or hard-to-find titles. You can find novels, textbooks, and even rare educational materials.

3. Fully Booked (SM City Baguio)
If you’re into fiction, design, or international bestsellers, Fully Booked is a modern bookstore that carries new releases and imported titles. Prices are higher, but it’s great for students who love reading beyond academic work.

4. University Bookstores
Most major universities in Baguio have their own campus bookstores that sell required textbooks, uniforms, and school supplies. For example:

• SLU Bookstore (inside Saint Louis University campus)

• UB Bookstore (near Gen. Luna Road)

• UC Bookstore (inside the UC campus)

These are the best places to buy school-specific materials.

Where to Find Second-Hand Books

If you’re on a budget or prefer vintage finds, Baguio offers great options:

• Bookends – known for used and collectible titles.

• Books for Less (SM City Baguio) – offers discounted books and clearance items.

• Local thrift shops near Session Road – some sell used magazines and textbooks at very low prices.

Tip: Always check the condition of second-hand textbooks before buying, especially if you need complete references for classes.

Where to Buy School Supplies

Popular Stores for Stationery and Art Materials

1. National Book Store
This remains the most reliable one-stop shop for students. You can find everything from notebooks, markers, sketch pads, folders, and calculators to project materials.

2. Expressions (SM City Baguio)
Expressions focuses more on creative and art-related supplies. Architecture and design students often shop here for sketching, painting, and drafting materials.

3. Office Warehouse (SM City Baguio)
For students who need printer ink, paper, or computer accessories, Office Warehouse offers professional-grade supplies.

4. School Supply Stores near Universities
Around Session Road and Governor Pack Road, you’ll find small local shops selling pens, folders, and art paper at cheaper prices than malls. Some even offer printing, photocopying, and lamination services.

Tech and Gadget Shops

For students who need laptops, USB drives, or phone accessories, Baguio has several electronics stores:

• Octagon and PC Express (SM City Baguio) – for laptops, keyboards, and tech gear.

• CD-R King (if available) – for affordable gadgets and computer accessories.

• Local repair and gadget shops near Harrison Road – often cheaper for cables and phone repairs.

Tip: Always ask for a warranty or official receipt for electronics.

Best Areas for One-Stop Shopping

SM City Baguio

This is the most convenient shopping destination in the city. It houses SM Supermarket, National Book Store, Fully Booked, Office Warehouse, and several convenience stores. Students often visit for groceries, books, and school supplies all in one trip.

Abanao Square

Located near Session Road, this mall is smaller but home to Robinsons Supermarket, National Book Store, and Expressions. It’s ideal for students living downtown.

Session Road

The city’s main commercial street, Session Road, has everything from bookstores and stationery shops to small groceries and cafés. It’s walkable and close to many dormitories.

Porta Vaga Mall

Across from the cathedral, Porta Vaga has small boutiques and bookshops. It’s quieter and less crowded than SM, ideal for quick errands.

Budget Shopping Tips for Students

1. Buy in bulk – Items like rice, instant noodles, and canned goods are cheaper when purchased in packs from Puregold or public markets.

2. Shop during weekday mornings – Markets are less crowded, and vendors often give better deals.

3. Bring your own bag – Baguio enforces strict eco-bag regulations.

4. Check student discounts – Some bookstores and tech shops offer student promotions.

5. Compare prices – Imported goods at SM may cost more than at smaller stores.

6. Shop during sale seasons – Back-to-school months (June and July) and holidays have discounts at major stores.

Supporting Local Stores

While malls offer convenience, supporting local businesses can save money and build community connections. Many local stores around Session Road, Legarda, and Assumption Road sell unique school supplies and local snacks. Buying from them not only helps small entrepreneurs but also gives you access to more authentic and affordable products.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for essentials in Baguio City is easy once you know where to go. Whether you’re a university student staying in a dorm or a family living long-term, you’ll find that Baguio’s mix of modern supermarkets, traditional markets, and cozy local stores provides both convenience and character.

From the fresh produce at the public market to the newest novels at Fully Booked and affordable notebooks from local shops, the city offers a perfect balance of practicality and charm—making everyday living in Baguio both efficient and enjoyable.

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