"Sari-sari stores" have been recognized as a vital backbone of the Philippine economy and society.
According to a study from analytics startup Packworks last year, there were 8.2 million transactions in sari-sari stores in 2023, with a combined gross sale of over P8 billion.
Yet sari-sari stores are often left out of the country’s push for “digitalization” of the economy, even though many are now offering e-money services such as GCash.
The main reason is that most of these stores are run on a shoestring as most of them exist solely to provide livelihood for families and can’t afford to avail of the tools needed to digitize their businesses.
This issue the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Calabarzon is now seeking to rectify through its “Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo” program.
During the recent “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) last March 11, DTI Assistant Regional Director Revelyn Cortez said that DTI’s digitalization efforts are not limited to medium-sized businesses but also include micro-retailers.
She emphasized the agency’s commitment to helping small businesses transition to digital platforms through capacity-building training sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in e-commerce and digital transactions.
“Digitalization is one of DTI’s five-point agenda. Even sari-sari stores are now part of this initiative. We provide them seminars on how to order and sell products online, as well as how to better reach their customers through digital platforms,” Cortez said.
Education campaign
Since last year, the DTI Calabarzon has been going around the Calabarzon region to roll out the program, equipping micro-retailers with knowledge on the use of various digital tools.
Training sessions cover topics such as mobile wallets and digital payments in partnership with financial technology providers like Uno Digital Bank and GCash. Entrepreneurs are also introduced to online banking applications, enabling them to open savings accounts and access loan programs to expand their businesses.
The DTI has also partnered with GCash to introduce the GCash Pera Outlet, to allow sari-sari store owners and retailers earn additional income through digital payment services, cash-in, and cash-out transactions.
Another initiative, the Smart Ka-Partner App in partnership with Smart Communications, provides micro-retailers with a more convenient way to manage their loading businesses while increasing their earning potential.
Aside from digitalization, the DTI also provides other training activities to empower sari-sari store owners through financial literacy, sustainable practices, and consumer protection.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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