[2] In 1949, Modesta Gaisano, together with her five sons, established White Gold Department Store.

After the death of Gaisano in 1981, her sons pursued their respective business interests.

In 1982, Victor and Sally Gaisano—together with their children, Margaret, Jack, Edward and Frank—established the Metro Gaisano Department Store and Supermarket.

Metro stores also opened stores in key cities in Central, Western and Eastern Visayas, as well as in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and South Luzon.

The company's expansion in Metro Manila in particular was marked by the opening of Market!