Malls and businesses are slowly resuming their operations as quarantine restrictions gradually ease up. However, health officials still discourage people from going out while the vaccine or cure for covid 19 is still being developed. As such we are setting our sights to online alternatives for shopping, entertainment, and even travel. Online shopping sites have been around for decades already but given the brunt of the quarantine to small businesses it can be more fulfilling to patronize local SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs.
Now that consumer behaviour is shifting online, small and micro entrepreneurs turn to online shopping sites like Shopee or Lazada as a platform. You can also find them in facebook or through your messenger contacts. Some of these micro-businesses can be your friend or neighbour selling baked goodies or handmade crafts and other goods. For instance there is a UP vendor offering delivery for fishballs, kikiam, and other merienda items within QC area using fb as a contact point. Oh My Gulay, a group selling fresh produce to help farmers also has an fb page that you can check out. Aside from food you can also find facebook pages catering to gadgets, PPEs, gardening supplies, etc. You can practically shop for anything you need online be it on official platforms or fb.
Top shopping sites in the Philippines include Lazada and Shopee as they carry both major brands and unbranded items. They also have a wide range of sellers and products ranging from essentials to accessories. As such, these would be great sites to visit if you love to window shop or simply like to see what’s out there. Zalora is also another top shopping site to visit especially those in search of wardrobe items and fashion accessories.
For you beauty needs you can check out Sephora, Beauty MNL, and Watsons. These sites carry a wide range of beauty products both local and imported. Most of the products they carry are from major brands but you can also find some local brands here.
If you want to shop for a cause then you can take a look at these sites:
Rags 2 Riches features hand-woven bags, wallets, purses, and organizers made by poor communities in the Philippines. In buying their products you are also able to help sustain the livelihood of less fortunate Filipinos.
LoveHopeFaith Group, they have shirts and watches with simple but stylish designs at very affordable rates. What is great about this business is that they support cancer patients in their fight against the disease.
Shop and Share. Angel Locsin and other celebrities launched a fundraising to support mass testing for Covid 19 through the shopandshare site. If you are equally passionate to fight the virus then this site is worth your visit.
