MANILA - Filipino online shoppers are increasingly selective, gravitating towards e-commerce platforms that are user-friendly and offer well-reviewed products, according to Shopee, the nation's leading online retail company.

According to Philippines News Agency, Shopee's head of public affairs, during a pre-event interview for the company's upcoming 9.9 Super Day Sale, consumer reviews are now a pivotal factor for Filipinos in making online purchases. "They're more smart now than before. They no longer easily fall prey to scams, so they read reviews and they're more meticulous about what they buy," Tagudin explained. This trend persists regardless of the product's price range, emphasizing quality over cost.

Shopee's focus on enhancing user experience is backed by substantial growth in the sector, with e-commerce contributing at least 14 percent to the Philippines' PHP2.05 trillion digital economy in 2023. Vincent Lee, head of Shopee Philippines, cited data from Statista showing that the country is the second fastest-growing retail e-commerce market globally, with a 24.1 percent sales growth rate this year. "This signals that there's still so much room for us to grow and for the Filipinos to harness the opportunity of e-commerce," Lee said.

Moving forward, Shopee aims to expand its offerings, including more brands and competitive pricing, along with flexible payment options. Lee emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing the online shopping experience, aiming to boost customer satisfaction, which in turn fosters loyalty and stimulates growth for sellers and brands on their platform.