Viral Facebook Community Home Buddies has helped local shops boost their sales by the power of its 3-million strong kapitbahays.
With everyone staying indoors for work and study during the pandemic, home improvement and redecoration have become popular. Filipinos turned not just to online selling platforms but to social media in scouring for items to buy for the home.
Viral Facebook Community Home Buddies has helped local shops boost their sales by the power of its 3-million strong kapitbahays.
Members of the group are quick to share their budol-finds, eager to share with the community how the purchase has helped them in their home-making or in completing the aesthetic of a room.
These reviews and posts have become a go-to for many looking for authentic and honest feedback on products they might’ve had sitting in their carts. And while there are a handful of products kapitbahays have been warned to stay away from, the number of positive feedback on affordable and accessible products outnumber them two-fold.
Thanks to the support from kapitbahays and the many design challenges and trends that go viral in the group, some products and brands have gotten a big boost in their sales as a result. During a time when small businesses are struggling, this boost has definitely helped local entrepreneurs push forward.
A favorite for Home Buddies looking for the perfect accent piece to complete their #TeamKahoy and boho aesthetic, Adelina Home delivers unique pieces made from rattan, pandan, and other locally-sourced materials. Their products range from lamps to planters and baby bassinets, all proudly made by Filipino artisans.
The shop has been featured in Home Buddies’ bazaars and is also a constant recommendation on the Home Buddies page.
Another business that flourished during the pandemic is that of scented candles. Popular among titas and those looking for an alternative to essential oils and humidifiers, scented candles offer gentle and unique scents one can’t get in a bottle.
Two:am candle co. is a small local business that began during the pandemic. Each candle is crafted with a specific feeling and moment captured beautifully in the long-lasting soy wax used.
Beyond inspiring home-makers, the Home Buddies community has inspired small business owners to continue developing and sharing their homemade crafts with the world.
Maria Crafts MNL sells custom-made home decorations. Having only opened last September, posts on the Home Buddies group have helped introduce the shop to many kapitbahays. Maria Crafts MNL makes wooden ornaments with custom carved designs.
