by Nickky Faustine P. De Guzman
The internet-savvy South Korea has billboard-size installations of computers that offer online grocery to subway passengers. The virtual supermarket allows the customers to scan their desired purchase using their smart phones. Then, the product will appear on their online cart and will be delivered to their doorstep a few hours after.
While this subway-online-grocery is not yet available in the country, Filipinos for the meantime rely on their smart phones or tablets to shop online for wide array of products like gadgets, appliances, fashion items, groceries, and cars. The term ‘buy and sell’ seems redefined.
However, unlike in South Korea where the products will be delivered to a customer’s house few hours after, some of our local online shops can only offer meet-ups. Furthermore, several website shops turned out to be bogus thus, the creation of this list, which include some of the legitimate online shopping websites that you can try. The websites below have bank partners, email address, and Facebook and Twitter pages, which add to their authenticity.
For the fashion forward:
Fashionistas loathe seeing another person wearing a same, exact dress. Good thing, the fashion shops these days offer limited trendy items
www.chicify.com — Chicify boasts that it offers free gift wrapping and shipping within Metro Manila. Its extensive brands present sandals, trendy tops, skirts, and bags for kids, men, and women. You can also purchase the top fashion item picks of today’s primary bloggers like Patty Laurel, Laureen Uy, and Kryz Uy.
www.zalora.com.ph — Zalora is one of the most famous online shops that offer clothes, accessories, bags, and beauty products that are perfect for both men and women. Some of their famous brands are Levi’s, Sperry Top Sider, Celine, Bayo, and Gibi Shoes.
For bookworms, pet lovers, and travelers:
Bibliophiles swear by online shops for some unlimited and rare books. Also, today’s sites cater to animal lovers and globetrotters.
www.facebook.com/doggieschoice — The social networking site Facebook has paved ways for business persons to establish their websites by creating a fan page, and Doggies’ Choice is one of them. This website for dogs offers variety of special shampoos, apparels, novelty items, and pet care products.
www.avalon.ph — Avalon claims that it is the first online shop in the country. This website has been offering books, notebooks, and other novelties since 1999.
www.dealspot.ph — This online website based in San Juan Greenhills, prides itself as the “oasis of the latest and trendiest promos and discounts from premier restaurants, spas, and hotels in the Philippines”. It is also a group-buying website, which means one can share great deals with friends and families.
www.hallohallomall.com — While its name suggest that it offers diverse products that range from home and living, fashion, gadgets, motors, and business, Hallo Hallo Mall also provides arts and books enthusiasts some things to rejoice for. They have various books and paintings available! The website has over 3,000 shops and more than 120,000 local and international products
The one-stop-shop:
The internet proves to be a hodgepodge of everything that we need and thanks to the mushrooming one-stop-shops, our cravings are answered in few clicks away.
www.goods.ph — Is perhaps one of the youngest online shops in the virtual world. What sets it apart from its equals is a list of grocery items to choose from aside from their gadgets, fashion items, electronics, and appliances. They also offer point rebates that are transferable to cash.
www.shopinas.com — Shopinas, established three years back, is one of Air21 Global Inc.’s flagship projects. Hence, one can assure the timely shipping of goods. What makes this online store unique is the availability of Pinoy-made products like wallets and pouches
www.ensogo.com.ph — Ensogo officially started business in Thailand last 2009 and because of its popularity, set up a branch in Manila a year after. Ensogo, now called Living Social, offers extensive options, which netizens can choose. They have adventure escapades, domestic travel deals, party needs, restaurants, and health and beauty services among others
www.lazada.com.ph — Lazada Philippines promises worry-free shopping experience with their 14-day return policy, free delivery available, and cash on delivery. Lazada is owned by Rocket Internet, which has other branches in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. They also offer favorable prices and services for bulk and corporate orders