Year End Shopping/Consumer Trends in Southeast Asia

A few weeks ago the United States of America has experienced a truly significant "regime change" that does not just affect the nation itself, but also the rest of the world as well. Particularly, the region of Southeast Asia can already experience its effect especially in terms of capital outflow from US and its demand for ASEAN goods. Yet, analysts believe that there should be more growth in 2017 despite the grim tidings. As for the Philippines, its economic growth has been said to be among the fastest with the projected growth of 6.3%.

Last year, the e-commerce in the Philippines generated USD $805 million with USD$ 398.4 million alone from the sales of electronics and media alone. As this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales were greeted with much enthusiasm, it showed that Philippines still showed much potential for greater sales ahead. Just as every Filipino holds Christmas celebration dearly that it is being celebrated in advance, so too the year end sale in Philippines is being religiously as well. Yet, the bigger question is this: what will the year end shopping/consumer trends look like?

Accelerating the March of Mobile Power

Despite the sluggishness of Internet speed in Philippines, the ownership of smartphones continues to soar since it is possible to enjoy powerful smartphones that carry lower price tags. Not only that, the highly competitive smartphone market makes sure that the smartphone stays relevant all the time. In fact, there is not a single doubt that the smartphones have been seen as a real necessity when they enable you to do so many things at once.

Furthermore, experts suggest that most people actually use their smartphones to do their searches, spent more time on social media apps and other mobile games. Not only that, it has been said that at least 80% of Facebook advertising revenue actually came from mobile alone. The golden age of mobile marketing takes precedence as more big names and established brands will rush to build and adopt technology to get closer to their prospective customers through mobile connection.

Needless to say, the goal is to make smartphones to be the effective bridge between the buyers and brands. In order to achieve this, much effort and time has been spent in developing more intuitive mobile UI and UX designs.

Given the fact that Filipinos are increasingly adapting to technologies in great numbers, this just means that Philippines is going to have huge numbers of potential customers that major brands and retailers can take advantage of. So, expect simple apps that give quick access to all products and services in a more seamless manner. Besides, it is now common to see discounts and promotions whenever you have installed and used the mobile app.

Be the Chosen One that Bring Balance to the Force

Nowadays, it is just not enough for stores in marketing and selling products. The world has moved so fast that you can actually get better and cheaper products from overseas instead of your local stores. In short, stores and businesses in the Philippines should be investing in building shopping quality and experience that every Filipino desires and expects.

As mentioned earlier, adopting technological innovation will prove to be favorable in getting prospective shoppers to buy products. Not just that, another challenge arises as whether the particular store has managed to convince the shoppers that there are greater benefits and advantages when buying from them. When it comes to strengthening their positions among their customers, stores have been more than willing in building a solid and stable rapport with them through loyalty programs.

Obviously, people tend to prefer getting products or services that offer incredible values or bonuses in their lives. In short, such deals do make the real difference as they prove to be very attractive choices. For instance, these promotional deals are to save a lot of time and money at the same time. As if it is not enough, certain leading brands or stores are known to be forging partnership with each other so that their customers are able to enjoy incredible benefits from them. All in all, the key word of such shopping trend is best described as "balanced" as shoppers are now active in seeking deals that bring great values.

Knowledge is Power. Guard it Well.

As the saying goes, information is power and it will lead to success. In the case of shopping trend, big and small players alike recognized the importance of getting to know about their potential customers more intimately. Unsurprisingly, the power of mobile devices extends to here as they help to collect crucial data about the customers' behavior, needs, wants and desires.

Amazingly, businesses now do not have to be bothered with old-fashioned method of giving out surveys since social media apps are the perfect platform to discover great things that you should know about your customers. This is how a simple like on the social media apps can drive sales successfully when being applied skillfully. Hence, the one who learns about the customers holds key to dominate the market.

On the side of shoppers, it is the time to indulge in exciting marketing plans and campaigns that are being run simultaneously with mobile apps. From time to time, a great content is not just enough to pull the crowd. Moreover, the stores cannot just ask the shoppers to buy from them simply because their products are cheaper and better. Your shoppers are now more informed than ever as they are empowered with tons of options that they can find. The secret to their hearts now lies in how stores are able to craft uniquely personalized shopping experience so that they enjoy every moment of it. As a matter of fact, every Juan or Juana will find such experience to be rewarding and refreshing at the same time.

Therefore, the above-mentioned shopping trends should be leading factors that dictate the actions and desires of every Filipino especially during the year end sale. Happy shopping!

Written by iPrice Group