Program to uplift 1M ‘sari-sari’ stores hatched
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with a number of private companies to boost “sari-sari stores,” with the end goal of helping 1 million of these small neighborhood retailers.
The DTI inked a memorandum of understanding with representatives of Unilever, Coca-Cola, Universal Robina Corporation, Smart Communications, Nestle, Hapinoy, Packworks, GCash, Smart Communications and Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners to launch the Sari-sari Store Advancement Program.
“Our goal is to see sari-sari stores not just survive but thrive. By registering and formalizing these businesses, we provide them with the necessary support and benefits to elevate their operations,” Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said in a statement on Saturday.
“This initiative is a collaborative effort, and through public-private partnerships, we can create a supportive ecosystem for these small but vital enterprises,” he added.
The initiative is under the banner of the DTI’s “Tindahan Mo e-Level Up Mo!” program, which was launched earlier this year.
The program aims to equip these microretailers with digital tools, knowledge and sustainable practices, said the DTI.
It focuses on several key areas: digital transformation; financial literacy and access to financing; sustainability; and consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
Back in June, the DTI said that they would hold at least four online seminars for sari-sari stores. Accessible through the DTI’s Facebook page, these seminars are scheduled on July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23.
The seminars will feature four learning modules, including one that teaches participants with strategies to reach new customers and expand their online presence through digital tools.
Another is a module that explores digital products to manage finances and grow business capital.
The third module optimizes product selection and caters to customer needs through digital applications, while the last teaches how to streamline daily tasks and maximize efficiency through digital solutions. —Alden M. Monzon INQ
