It’s been already four days after Christmas, but the gift-giving continues, either physically or through delivery. But times are hard, the budget and opportunities, because of the pandemic, quite limited. But you don’t have to scrimp or totally do away with such a cherished tradition.
With pandemic-related quarantines limiting shopping in person and the warning not to congregate in crowded places like malls and stores, Carousell (formerly OLX), one of the leading online marketplaces in Southeast Asia, offers good buys and the widest choices if you are looking for quality and preloved items ranging from fashion, food, cars, tech, toys and even properties—while empowering consumers to spend meaningfully during this festive season and within the safety of one’s home.
In a recent research powered by the Kantar Profiles Network, it shows 80 percent of Filipinos are open to giving and receiving preloved gifts during the holidays.
In the Philippines, top searches include marked-off mobile devices (iPhone and Samsung), top-hit video consoles (Nintendo Switch and PS4), and lifestyle brands from luxe to high-street (Louis Vuitton and Zara), laptops (Apple and Asus) and secondhand automobiles (BMW and Toyota).
Times may be tough for many of us but that shouldn’t prevent us from celebrating Christmas in the way that we are accustomed to: with expressions of gratitude and sharing of love and fellowship to those around us and those who matter most in our lives.
With the virus still in our midst, people have become wary of impulse buying and have turned to more economic and practical buys that focus on value for money in order to find the best deals at the most affordable prices. Even if it’s less than a week before New Year’s Day, many are still on the lookout for a more meaningful way to celebrate and shop.
Throughout the year, Carousell initiated various campaigns to support consumers, frontliners, and business owners: #ChooseToCare Fundraising Drive, a fundraising campaign to provide assistance for medical workers who have been proactively caring for those stricken by the virus, with the proceeds given to the Lung Center of the Philippines and their chosen beneficiary; “The Great Property Sale,” which offered a wide variety of selection in house and lots and condominiums with thousands of fresh listings, various discounts, and promos for users to be able to find suitable homes even with the financial limitations imposed by the pandemic; Relief options for automobile dealerships through free coins and waived payment for Carousell transactions instigated to help jumpstart the automotive industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic—all a testament to the company’s goal of extending aid, relieving the financial burden, and empowering Filipinos.
As we begin a new decade, Carousell continues to encourage consumers to make mindful purchases that promote both economic and environmental sustainability.
Raffy Montemayor, general manager of Carousell Philippines shared: “We understand the need for Filipinos to imbibe the spirit of gift-giving during this season. While the current situation dictates for us to be more mindful with our spending, we want to support Filipinos’ natural generosity during the holidays by giving them an online avenue to purchase thoughtful and practical gifts.”
Visit Carousell at www.carousell.ph and download the app on Google Play or App Store to find the best gifts you can give to your family and friends.
