One of the reasons why SM cannot easily venture into mall operations in Bohol particularly in Tagbilaran where a large population is found is that there is hardly an open space with the land requirement that an SM mall would need. If you have gone to other SM malls in many parts of the country, their malls are situated in wide open areas(with the possible exception of the one in Carriedo which is located right at the heart of Sta. Cruz, Manila). I heard the minimum requirement of their malls is something like 10 hectares. This is because they prefer to provide their customers with an open-air parking lot as opposed to basement or rooftop parking. So the next question is, where can you find a 10-hectare lot in rather flat terrain that is along or at least near an existing road in Tagbilaran area? Of course, if and when this location requirement is met, there is still the issue of local businessmen trying to bar the establishment of businesses that compete with their own.
