Easy Shopping Special Feature
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
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SM goes online!
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ITH the community quarantine due to COVID-19, many of us stayed at home and downloaded various apps on our phone to have convenient access to essential products and services. However, having so many mobile apps—from food delivery, shopping, to restaurants can sometimes be very confusing, especially when you need keep track of all the pop-up notifications, payment transactions, and not to mention, the expensive delivery fees. Here’s one app you need to download because it has just about everything you need: the SM Malls Online app. With this app, you can safely and conveniently buy from various trusted essential and retail stores and restaurants from select SM malls and have them delivered straight to your doorstep —all in one app. By downloading the SM Malls Online app, you can enjoy all these— and more, without stepping out of your home:
Safe virtual shopping experience. For your safety, leading brands and trained riders follow #SafeMallingAtSM protocols in fulfilling your orders on the app. Shopping bags are sanitized and the riders are required to wear face mask and face shield, have their temperature monitored, and maintain a 6-ft. distance when handing your order.
ONE-STOP-SHOP. When you shop on the SM Malls Online app, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of multiple online checkouts or multiple costly delivery fees that add up. You can buy all the products you need from your favorite brands all in one online checkout and pay only one delivery fee—and just like that—it’s sent right to your home. That includes the leading international and local retail and dining establishments from SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, and SM City Fairview—with more SM malls available soon. IN-STORE PICKUP. During check-out, you may also select ‘in-store pickup’ to get your order when you’re already at your chosen mall. Proceed to the specific mall at your own convenience within 72 hours to claim your order, show the seller representative the order ID and other details on SM Malls Online app then you’re good to go.
GREAT DEALS AND PROMOS. As a special treat for first-time app users, SM is offering up to P200 off of shoppers’ fave brands when they use the code, SMGOESONLINE, upon checkout with a minimum
purchase of P500. Shoppers can also buy from two or more brands and enjoy free shipping when they use the code, 2orMORE, for at least two non-food brands with a minimum of spend P750 or 2orMOREFOOD for at least two restaurants with a
minimum spend of P300. This promo is currently available from August 1—September 30, 2021. Be sure that you have the latest version of the app from Google Play or the App Store so you can enjoy these great deals from SM.
AWESOME RETAIL AND DINING BRANDS. Just like other SM malls nationwide, SM Malls Online Mobile app guarantees Filipinos easy access to a wide array of trusted brands for everything from essentials and restaurants to gadgets and more. Foodies can savor appetizing dishes from places like Manam, Panda Express, Wendy’s, Frankie’s Buffalo Wings, and Auntie Anne’s. Shoppers can also look forward to top brands on the app ranging from clothes to gadgets to beauty like Adidas, Office Warehouse, PC Express, Samsung, The Body Shop, and Watsons. Cyberzone also offers the lowest price guaranteed on gadgets and laptops from Villman, Silicon Valley, PC Express and more, just in time for online classes and perfect for work-from-home set-ups. Download the SM Malls Online App for free on Google Play or the App Store. For the latest news and deals, follow @smmallsonline on Facebook and Instagram or visit www. smmallsonline.com.
Easy Shopping Special Feature
C4 || THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Shopping made easier through technology By P.Y. Deligero
FOUR TIPS WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE While online shopping bears similarities to its physical counterpart, buyers should continue to exercise a level of caution when buying essentials and other items. Here are some tips to make the online shopping experience more enjoyable.
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1. Always read the product description Many online buyers often make mistakes with the items they buy, leading to visible disappointment and frustration. To avoid this from happening, make sure that the item has the right specifications to fit your needs. This means checking its material, dimensions, and even finding out if it has a warranty should there be any complications with the item upon receiving or over time. If needed, reach out to the seller to clarify any questions about an item. This applies when buying from both new and established online selling platforms. A consumer has the right to know everything about a product and the sellers should provide full disclosure.
Many shopping malls around the country cater to this familial bond among their customers. But this dynamic was greatly disturbed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippines in March 2020. People were mandated to stay indoors as a precaution meant to keep the virus from spreading rapidly. With almost everyone stuck at home, the once lively malls where people used to roam descended to silence and stillness. People have also become reminiscent of a time when they could enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about their safety. Luckily, modern technology has given a solution to this problem. Thanks to the internet and its various platforms, people can now use the online space to engage in the activities they enjoyed before the pandemic and its restrictions like shopping and spending time with the people they love.
2. Check the product’s rating When using online platforms, one striking difference it has from the physical activity is that there will be no one there to assist. Sellers are only available for some time before they can get back to any concerns so the process of selection falls onto the buyers. To see if an item is worth it, check for ratings that other buyers left in reaction to their purchase. The feedback can provide a better perspective and even set a level of expectation from the item.
OR many Filipinos, shopping goes beyond the mere act of purchasing their needs and wants as it is also seen as an activity where people can connect with their family, friends, and loved ones.
PUTTING A SPOTLIGHT ON ONLINE SHOPPING Even before the pandemic, online shopping has already been available to users everywhere. But people weren’t
as quick to respond to it as they are now. This is because people didn’t see the need to turn their attention and efforts online if they can experience it firsthand. But with the new normal, the public had to reconsider the potential of online shopping until they eventually recognized the opportunities it presented. Several e-commerce platforms, both local and international, have been gaining praise and recognition from users everywhere. In the Philippines, the malls and outlets that the people know and love also realized the advantages of leveraging online space. This allows them to continue their operations of providing for the people as they have for years. Consumers, in turn, can enjoy a better shopping expe-
rience because they know that they’re dealing with a trusted brand. Without having to leave the safety of their homes, people can browse through a variety of products and tap a few items on their screens before their orders will be delivered to their homes in just a few days. Aside from skipping long checkout lines while maintaining safety, another benefit
of online shopping is that buyers have access to more products without having to check different branches and leaving disappointed if it’s not there. Pre-ordering is common in online stores so that consumers don’t have to feel frustrated about not finding the item/s they need. Plus it makes the wait of receiving the item more worthwhile. Transactions are also made easier at online shopping platforms. When
people go shopping physically, they have limited options such as cash or cards. But in a digital space, they have access to other payment options that don’t require cash. These are only some of the benefits that come with online shopping. As the world continues to shift to a modern setting, new demands will arise thus prompting brands to adapt and meet these needs.
3. Double-check the item before checking out Just like with physical shopping, double-checking an item before paying for it is important. This lessens the chances of a buyer making mistakes that could sometimes cost some money. Aside from securing the item’s quality, another way to mitigate losses is by choosing a payment option that uses cash on delivery or allows refunds. This is advisable when buying things that are worth a significant amount such as gadgets, novelty items, and more. 4. Learn how to budget While online shopping has made the experience easier, it also features sales events where consumers can buy quality items for a lower price. And at a time when people need something to pass the time or distract them from the current health pandemic, some find satisfaction in retail therapy. Practicality should still be exercised, especially in online shopping. There will always be new items that can pique buyers’ interests, but they should also maintain a level of self-control to avoid spending their money on things that will hardly be used. Investing in the right items can go a long way. Since last year, online shopping has made Filipinos’ lives easier by providing them with an option to continue one of their favorite activities from the safety of their homes. Many have found solace and enjoyment in being able to browse and buy items right at their fingertips. Because of this development, online space may see more shopping platforms that will continue to delight consumers for years to come.
SM brings shopping to mobile phones By Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. IS your payday coming up? How will you treat yourself after a month’s worth of work? Usually, workers will relax and reward themselves by simply strolling or shopping at their nearest SM mall. This is especially true during these ‘ber months’ that are usually the best time to head over to your nearest SM Department Store and scout what you can get for your relatives, family members, or even your special someone months before Christmas. Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, some are skeptical going outside. Fortunately, there’s a very
plausible shopping solution at your fingertips. SM Stores now has an accessible alternative to the physical mode of shopping --the SM Malls Online -an app developed by SM, allowing netizens and workers to order items straight from the SM Shop right to their doorsteps. From kids’ toys to men’s and women’s apparel to your favorite food, SM stays true to its motto that they “have it all for you”. Every purchase made in the app will initially depend on where you are as the items will come from the nearest SM store to your home. Participating stores are SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Megamall,
SM North Edsa, and SM City Fairview. Restaurants from said malls also offer pickup or delivery purchases for app users. This makes for the overall flexibility of the SM Malls Online app, as it caters to more than e-commerce. While the app functions like the usual e-commerce platform, what makes SM Malls Online different is it administers the same sales happening on physical branches to the app. If you are indeed keen on
visiting your nearest SM store, the application offers an on-site delivery pick-up feature. This means that you can purchase or reserve the item you want and purchase it beforehand. Once you have your desired item or food purchased via the app, you can head to the store near you and claim your item without lining up
and staying long to avoid further physical contact. One of the best things about SM’s app? Online shoppers’ two favorite words: free shipping! The app offers free shipping (for door-to-door deliveries) for orders amounting to 500 pesos or more. So what are you waiting for? Browse now, and then click!