A Demand For Online Shopping Due To The Pandemic
How COVID-19 Has Changed Consumers Behaviour
Consumers are opting to shop online after the pandemic hits
Due to COVID-19, the world faces a lockdown to stop the virus from spreading. Many businesses were affected and some took the advantage of pivoting to e-commerce. Only a handful of businesses are allowed to operate during the lockdown such as:
- Food and beverage items.
- Medical or pharmacy.
- First aid.
- Personal care.
This has created a demand for online shopping as consumers purchasing behaviour changed.
A Demand For Online Shopping Due To The Pandemic
Many preferred to shop online after the pandemic
Many consumers preferred to shop online these days due to conveniences, minimizing human contact and also the prices are much reasonable compared to retail outlets.
Following this new trend, a group of 30 entrepreneurs got together shortly after the Movement Control Order was announced in Malaysia, to see how they can get a share of the online market.
Thus, the idea of forming The Artisans Haven was born, and it now has 60 tenants as of 1 August 2020, with the number targeted to reach 100 by end of August, and 500 for 2021.
The Artisans Haven is a virtual real estate with artisan and retail stores and bazaar; it features unique, good quality products from local talented artisans, retailers and entrepreneurs.
The Artisans Haven, Digital Mall
The Artisans Haven is a digital mall featuring artisans, retail stores and bazaars
Its activities bring together people with interests in self-development, education, arts and handicraft, adventure and entertainment.
An office block with a penthouse for tenants to offer their professional services, and a cinema, are being planned.
Besides that, it has attractions that include a ‘happyness’ retreat, adventure park, a convention centre, auditoriums and study abroad campus.
The Artisans Haven is keen to promote local artists who are given their virtual art galleries, which the mall management is considering giving rent-free.
This is not an e-commerce portal, it does not take any percentage of tenants’ sales.
“Our focus is to build awareness of our tenants and their products and services,’’ said curator Jade Lee.
How It Works
The Artisans Haven is set to help local artisans and young entrepreneurs
“People buy products from artisans because they see the passion and hear the story behind each person.”
“We take the effort to delve into their stories and share them on our blogs, postings and website,’’ said Lee.
Rental is RM200 per month and is used largely to promote the digital mall on social media, with 12% spent on operations.
For artisans and young entrepreneurs, this rental amount is insufficient to generate awareness on social media and create traffic.
“We are pooling the resources of artisans, retailers and entrepreneurs to help each other make an impact in the digital world,’’ said Lee.
The founders Jade Lee and Rosalie Lin, together with the team at Artisans Digital Mall Sdn Bhd are working pro bono, using their expertise, network and resources to connect the tenants with the right relations within the virtual mall.
All the vendors and agencies also charge at a low fee; more rentals collected will be spent on marketing activities.
The Next Move
Looking for more corporates to support and promote the local artisans
A few other companies have also lent a helping hand, such as:
– Malaysian Mosaics Bhd is virtually re-tiling the mall with their products and designs.
– Asian Esteem Industrial Sdn Bhd is decorating the art gallery and mall with their moulded frames.
“While we are reaching out to our network, we hope more corporates will support us to promote our worthy artisans to the world,’’ said Lee.
Many parties have contributed to make The Artisans Haven work; a seasoned digital marketing and public relations agencies help to generate traffic to the mall.
Freelance copywriters, videographers, designers and retired experts help to show the passion and share the beauty of the artisans’ works.
The Founders
The founders of The Artisans Haven, Rosalie Lin (standing) and Jade Lee
“With our experience, we want to help with low-cost promotions and placement opportunities at the mall, and advice on making the sales process simple, safe and customer-friendly,’’ said Lee.
Lee, with 40 years of experience in financial institutions and Lin, marketing director of DCR Marketing Sdn Bhd that specialises in customer loyalty and marketing programs, had worked together during their tenure at RHB Bank.
For More Information, please log on The Artisans Haven
