To show support to businesses trying to cope with the pandemic, it is encouraged to purchase their products through the different platforms. E-commerce can help sustain economic activities in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Furthermore, it is encouraged by NEDA for businesses to continue transactions online to ensure safety for both the seller and consumer.
The online platform is deemed a safer alternative to risking oneself in shopping in a physical space, and possibly being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. In fact, the use of online shopping apps increased by 53% in the Philippines last 2020. Furthermore, the total number of visits to shopping applications in the Philippines climbed to approximately 4.9 billion during the lockdown period (Ledesma, 2020). From beauty products, food, fitness equipment, clothing, and plants, Filipinos purchase products from different online businesses.
Not only is it important to promote e-commerce, but purchasing products from locally-owned businesses is just as essential. Most of these businesses are part of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up 99.51% of all registered businesses in the Philippines (Department of Trade and Industry, 2020). Buying from SMEs can help keep people from the community employed. At the same time, promoting local businesses helps build the local economy, as SMEs are more likely to utilize other local businesses like banks, service providers, markets, farms (INQUIRER.net, 2019).
While doing whatever we can to support businesses is helpful, excessive buying can lead to a shopping addiction. Online shopping has its limitations, no matter how much joy it brings to one person. Addiction can lead to financial, interpersonal, and relationship problems. Using shopping as a coping mechanism can be destructive since it can lead one to spend money recklessly. Moreover, excessive shopping can lead to materialism by seeking status through items and seeking validation from peers. To avoid the repercussions brought by shopping, one can regulate their shopping habits. Setting budgets and finding alternative ways to spend leisure time are some ways on how to avoid excessive spending.
Online shopping is beneficial to both sellers and consumers. Consumers get to help keep businesses afloat while sellers cater to the market’s needs during the pandemic. Shopping online has its limits, and everything must be done in moderation. Furthermore, it would be wise for one to buy what they need and can afford, as to avoid any money or relationship-related problems. Online shopping isn’t going away anytime soon, and it can even be advantageous to shop from SMEs and other local businesses.
