In a consumer-driven country such as the Philippines, Christmas shopping is quite a chore. This is especially true in the hyperactive and saturated metro. Despite having hundreds of malls in Manila, these shopping centers are filled to the brim with people looking to splurge their holiday earnings every December.
For over two years, Filipinos have been on a roller coaster ride with the fluctuation of COVID-19 cases that have urged several lockdown impositions. Because of this, there is now a great need to uplift our choked economy. The best way to support entrepreneurs and big businesses alike is by buying from them.
Shopping, however, is made more hectic by the ongoing pandemic. Knowing the repercussions of mass gatherings amid the health crisis, it has become everyone’s duty to be responsible consumers. Being “responsible” does not imply that we should avoid going out entirely. Instead, we are expected to be extra vigilant now more than ever with the emergence of the omicron variant. At the end of the day, going outdoors is crucial not only to give aid to the failing economy but also for the benefit of our mental wellbeing.
Having a glimpse and feel for items physically is one of the sure-fire means customers can ensure they get their bang for buck. Then again, we must accept that the coronavirus has ushered in a new reality, one where businesses and consumers are more agile, digital-savvy, and forward-looking.
Be a sensible shopper
Today, all of us should aspire to be a “sensible shopper” or someone who would stringently adhere to health protocols enforced by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) inside and outside of malls. Follow the recommended one-to-two-meter social distancing rule and always wear a face mask as well as face shield, even if the latter is not required anymore. Plan your mall trip carefully by creating a shopping list for a fast and efficient visit. Scheduling your appointment to the marketplace on weekdays also helps lessen foot traffic considering weekends are peak days for mallgoers.
Fix that bad habit
Pinoys have been procrastinating shoppers for the longest time. Many retailers would begin their Christmas campaigns as soon as the ber-months roll in, but majority won’t start buying gifts until November. December remains the heaviest month for shopping. A study conducted by a local media outlet suggests that the earlier you could do your Christmas shopping, the better it would be for you.
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The same research reveals that while e-commerce has become an emerging trend, in-store buying is still the preferred method of shopping. Having a glimpse and feel for items physically is one of the sure-fire means customers can ensure they get bang for their buck. Then again, we must accept that the coronavirus has ushered in a new reality, one where businesses and consumers are more agile, digital-savvy, and forward-looking. Online is the way to go.
Both small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) and established businesses have employed digital solutions to survive the pandemic. Most big brands have had existing digital platforms even before the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s only a matter of improving the systems already in place.
You may want to look up the following websites or download the applications depending on your needs and wants. For upscale items, rustans.com has an unparalleled range of prestigious brands and quality merchandise. Whether it’s the latest Montblanc fountain pens or the newest La Prairie beauty products, the finest upscale merchandise is available here.
Shopsm.com is a platform that also collates brands, only this time under the banner of SM. This is where patrons of the mall empire will find most of the SM and everyday luxury products.
Zalora is your one-stop shop for online fashion gifts. Beauty MNL and Sephora are for more affordable beauty essentials. And, of course, two of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the Philippines, Shopee and Lazada, dominate the online shopping game with their vast selection and ease of use.
Go cashless
The airborne and highly infectious disease is known to be transmitted when it enters the mouth or eyes. This fact hastened the world’s transition to the digital era. Anything physical is discouraged, including tangible cash. Whether in physical or online transactions, digital payments are highly advised. This is where e-wallets come in. The finance system eliminates the need to bring actual money by linking your bank account with a software program or by transferring cash from your account to a digital wallet. Transactions become more convenient through a tap of a button or a scan of a QR code. Try using two of the most reliable Philippine mobile wallets today, GCash and Paymaya.