ELECTRONIC commerce platform Shopee has seen a significant shift to essential goods by its online buyers following the imposition of lockdowns in the country.
Martin Yu, associate director of Shopee Philippines, anticipates increased online purchases to persist even as lockdowns are eased as the threat of infections from the new coronavirus remains.
“As we continue to practise social distancing, more and more Filipinos are turning to online platforms to purchase their daily essentials such as groceries, household and personal care items from the safety of their homes. Online shopping undoubtedly provides consumers convenient access to these essential household items and we are committed to ensuring that these items remain available and accessible to our consumers,” Yu said.
He said during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that started in mid-March, the top categories for essentials where robust demand was noted by the platform are health and personal care, home and living and toys, babies and kids.
Yu said essentials products such as water, soda, canned goods, diapers and cleaning products have seen increased demand compared to the period before the ECQ was implemented.
According to Yu, majority of orders are in Metro Manila where delivery is much more accessible compared to the neighboring provinces.
Young professionals within the age group of 25 to 35 are the top buyers, the same profile pre-ECQ. This age group is internet savvy and has more experience in online shopping.
Shopee during the ECQ shifted to providing only essential goods, such as health and medical supplies, emergency kit items, dry goods, and personal hygiene on its platform to address customers’ needs in the comfort of their homes.
Through Shopee Mart, the platform curates essential goods for online shoppers, ranging from food and personal hygiene items to emergency kit essentials and household cleaning items.
To address supply and delivery, Yu said Shopee has been working closely with its partners, retailers and sellers to ensure it can serve orders.
It has also been working with its logistics partners to ensure smooth and timely deliveries.
In support of its sellers, Shopee recently announced its P200-million Seller Support Package which aims to tide small and medium enterprises through the ECQ and COVID-19 period by helping them maintain business sustainability and growth.
“Through this package, we aim to help sellers adjust during this period and continue to provide their service to their consumers,” Yu said.
The e-commerce platform currently runs 5.5 Shopee Mart Sale from to cater the needs of the Filipinos. Users can get deals as low as P5 and a free shipping with no minimum spend on a wide variety of essential goods. In addition, they can get better deals when they use discount vouchers, cashback vouchers, and Shopee coins.
The sale runs until May 5.
