The pandemic situation has not changed, but everyone's behavior has. 

Many business owners were caught by surprise.  Many were left behind, closed down, or handicapped to adapt. Nowadays, it's only the strong and well-equipped who survive. 

For customers, they’ve learned to rearrange their lives when it comes to retail-- switching priorities, changing lifestyles, and developing new shopping habits.

As homes have now become everyone's new safe space, businesses can take advantage of this shift, by fast-tracking indoor convenience--that is, offering services safely right at their customers’ doorsteps. Distance no longer separates you from your customers. Establishing reliable and genuine connections even without brick-and-mortar stores is a must have to survive and thrive. 

This is why digital tools have become so valuable because digital is now preferred over physical. Cashless payments, instant virtual notifications, and wireless connectivity are must haves. 

Spruce Designer Network Inc. did just that -- utilizing digital tools from Globe myBusiness during the earlier months of the pandemic so they can meet customers where they are. 

Spruce is a retail and distribution company specializing in bringing global and local Filipino designer fashion lifestyle brands. They provide unique shopping experiences in several stores throughout northern and southern Mindanao.

As a starting business, getting their name out was the top priority. Keeping customers and employees safe were also at the back of their heads.  So when sales took a dip,  they had to quickly adapt using their top product  -- flip-flops.

FIRST STEP: FOCUSING ON CUSTOMER’S NEEDS AND SAFETY

"Our biggest challenge was how to keep our people safe. How to reach customers who are now at home,” shared Trisha L. Tamparong, Spruce’s Corporate Treasurer. Along with her team, they recognized the market's behavioral change immediately and acted on it early on. 

After identifying flip-flops as a home essential, they focused on its online marketing. "Because our number one product at the store is considered a home essential, all we had to do was get the product out there!" she added. 

NEXT: GEAR UP! SEEKING THE TOOLS NEEDED TO OPERATE IN THE NEW NORMAL 

They decided to leverage on their website and social media accounts to reach their customers at home. When they started to offer cashless payment options, sale inquiries came soon enough. "We are thankful for Globe MyBusiness for encouraging us to set up and offer Gcash services years before the pandemic started," Tamparong said. 

To the present day, Spruce’s business remains steady. They are currently in the final stages of digitizing their processes--from online shopping service to now setting up their Human Resource Information System, nurturing relationships with delivery partners, and applying other digital tools from Globe MyBusiness.

"There are tough months and great months but overall, we are very fortunate and blessed to still be here and thriving in the new normal."

ON STAYING RESILIENT: DIGITIZATION IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE

Digitizing traditional processes improves business' efficiency, streamlines internal operations, and  makes Spruce more agile and flexible. 

Globe myBusiness ensures that businesses like Spruce are better prepared and better equipped to adapt, through digital solutions ranging from simple to complex solutions.

Now is the time to strengthen and revitalize your business through digital solutions, with Globe myBusiness. Whether that’s medical assessments for your employees, logistics tracking, or loyalty programs for customers, Globe myBusiness can fashion the right solutions you need.

If you've already invested in Globe myBusiness for your digital needs, the company has more to offer. Instant rewards await customers for their digital investments. Until June  30, customers can enjoy cashback via GCash when availing connectivity products and digital solutions. 

Globe myBusiness offers exclusive bundles to new and existing customers on any mobile or broadband plan. Digital solutions included in the bundle are M360, GCash for Business, KonsultaMD, Rush Royalty, Google Workspace, Cloud Payroll and HR Information System (HRIS), and Vehicle Tracker. 

Reinvent your business and make it stronger with Globe myBusiness digital solutions. Make it ready for anything. Learn more here.