Cebuano retailers ready to face digital challenge

CEBU, Philippines — Recognizing the huge shift in conducting retail business under the digital-driven environment, Cebuano retailers are determined to face the challenges head-on in order to stay afloat amid the disruptions.

Newly inducted Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) president Christian Paro-an identified at least three big waves in the retail sector that players need to embrace and adapt, these are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). While these may disrupt retailers for a while, retailers are ready to take the challenge and make use of these technologies to increase market share.

In his speech, during the induction ceremony of the newly installed PRA-Cebu officers, Paro-an urged local retailers to invest in technology and ride with the change “to boost sales, reach more customers, and expand market share.”

Paro-an, who is also the owner of the cellphone and gadgets shops RC Goldline, underscored the importance of data analytics to help retail businesses understand the customers better and make them more informed to implement sound and strategic decisions.

“As consumers increasingly move online, having a robust e-commerce platform is no longer just an option but a necessity for most retail businesses,” he reminded the Cebuano retailers.

Under his leadership, Paro-an vowed to facilitate the introduction of programs that aim to empower the retail industry in Cebu, improve the quality of goods and services offered to our customers, foster local entrepreneurship, and represent their interests both locally and nationally.

“But beyond our economic goals, we must never lose sight of our social responsibility. We must strive to create job opportunities, uphold fair trade practices, and contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved city, Cebu,” he emphasized.

The retail industry may now experience hiccups in technology disruptions, but Paro-an expressed confidence that it is anticipating robust growth fueled by the rising middle class and increased consumer spending.

He added that the resilience of traditional retail sectors such as convenience stores and supermarkets cannot be overlooked as the growth of e-commerce and the accelerated online shopping habits of consumers as a result of the pandemic is evident.

“Our unity is our strength. Let us learn from each other, share our experiences, pool our resources, and collectively address the challenges ahead,” he called on the attention of the Cebuano retailers amid the changing business landscape.

He added that the PRA Cebu chapter could serve as an inspiration to other chapters by setting standards of excellence, championing innovation, embracing sustainability, and demonstrating the true spirit of Cebuano’s resilience to make a meaningful difference.

The new set of PRA-Cebu officers also includes James Co, Vice President for Business Development; May Tan Go, Vice President for Membership; Jay Fernandez, Vice President for Ways and Means; Camille Aldeguer, Vice President for Finance; Jane Ong, Secretary/Treasurer; Robert L. Go, Chairman of the Board; and Chester A. Lim; Immediate Past President.