By Hermes Joy Tunac
The growing success of these leading online platforms proves that now more than ever, online is king when it comes to shopping.
For the past two years now, e-commerce in the Philippines has shown significant growth and popularity among Filipino online shoppers. Part of its success can be traced to the growing availability and widespread use of the Internet, as well as social media.
But when the pandemic started to grip the world earlier this year, the retail industry—both brick-and-mortar and even online retailers— has seen a drastic decrease in sales due to imposed quarantine restrictions.
In response to this unwelcome development, online businesses have had to push daily essentials front and center by making them more accessible to consumers with just a few taps on their smartphones. In turn, a growing number of consumers have discovered the convenience and necessity of shopping online during these uncertain times.
In a survey conducted by Hootsuite and We Are Social, the Digital 2020 April Statshot reported that 64 percent of Filipino Internet users spend more time on social media, resulting in a 23-percent increase in their online shopping activity.
With quarantine restrictions still imposed in the National Capital Region, PeopleAsia tapped into three of the most prominent and busiest shopping websites in the country to learn how they cope with the current situation, including the necessary adjustments they’ve had to embrace.
Launched in 2012, Lazada is one of the leading online shopping and selling destinations in Southeast Asia. Since the onset of the quarantine, Lazada has seen its sales in essential goods, including grocery and personal care items and cleaning supplies, increase 15 times. Apart from daily essentials, the website has also seen an increase in sales for bakeware items, air-conditioning units and loungewear.
Some of the most in-demand stores that Lazada carries on its platform are British household appliance brand Dyson, Italian kitchenware brand DeLonghi and health and beauty care store Watsons.
“When Enhanced Community Quarantine was announced last March, we re-focused our operations to cater to essential needs through LazMart, which is our online grocery delivery service. We continue our operations to ensure consumers have access to everyday essentials from home,” Lazada Philippines CEO Ray Alimurung shares.
Launched in 2012, Lazada is one of the leading online shopping and selling destinations in Southeast Asia. Since the onset of the quarantine, Lazada has seen its sales in essential goods, including grocery and personal care items and cleaning supplies, increase 15 times. Apart from daily essentials, the website has also seen an increase in sales for bakeware items, air-conditioning units and loungewear.
Some of the most in-demand stores that Lazada carries on its platform are British household appliance brand Dyson, Italian kitchenware brand DeLonghi and health and beauty care store Watsons.
“When Enhanced Community Quarantine was announced last March, we re-focused our operations to cater to essential needs through LazMart, which is our online grocery delivery service. We continue our operations to ensure consumers have access to everyday essentials from home,” Lazada Philippines CEO Ray Alimurung shares.
The pandemic’s attendant effects have taught the CEO to think and act fast while providing Lazada’s customers, sellers, employees and logistics partners with what they need at the moment. “I believe that true leaders look into the world we live in and find ways to help mold and shape it into something better,” Ray adds.
Shopee, a Singaporean e-commerce platform, aims to provide customers with a smooth, secure and fast online shopping experience.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in the Philippines, Shopee has made innovations in its platform to elevate its customers’ online shopping experience. Since the community quarantine, Shopee has seen an increased demand for health and personal hygiene products and grocery items.
In response to this, the company has launched a monthly sales promo to cater to increased demand. “Shopee works with international and local brands such as Unilever, P&G and The SM Store to help ensure convenient access to a wide variety of essential goods for our users,” says Shopee Philippines associate director Martin Yu.
As a growing number of Filipinos continue to spend most of their time at home, Shopee has also expanded its platform as a source of entertainment by hosting livestream events, including Shopee Live Mega Festival.
“It was one of the most significant live- streaming events for Shopee Philippines,” says Martin. “Through this event, Filipinos were able to interact with their favorite celebrities in real-time.”
Zalora is one of Asia’s leading online fashion destinations, which offers consumers an extensive collection of products from top international and local brands—from shoes, accessories and apparel, to cosmetics and various personal care items.
Earlier this year, Zalora has expanded its portfolio to home essentials to cater to people’s changing needs and priorities. As a result of the lockdown, the online shopping website has also seen an increase in sales for loungewear, sportswear and fitness products.
“We have expanded our portfolio to give customers easier access to necessities through the launch of our new essential supplies category. We have also partnered with more couriers to meet the growing online shopping community’s demands,” says Zalora Philippines CEO and co-founder Paulo Campos III.
Unlike other e-commerce platforms, one of Zalora’s unique selling propositions is the guarantee that all products they have onsite are 100 percent authentic.
“Brands are required to submit government permits and necessary trademarks to ensure the authenticity of their products,” Paulo explains. “As part of two publicly listed companies—Ayala and Global Fashion Group, we adhere to a strict verification process when we welcome onboard brand partners.”
