Local Businesses Flourish in Online Markets

Taguwa Ruwa

Taguwa Ruwa is a casual clothing brand inspired by street fashion. Its whole look is based on the infusion of lifestyle styling design and modern apparel. Suitable for everyday fashion, it aims to create an accessible clothing line for all genders and ages. Taguwa Ruwa produces the finest apparel quality focusing on comfort and style. Created at the end of 2017, the objective is to build creative freedom for people and businesses. 

Taguwa Ruwa clothing line aims to be comfortable and stylish

Challenges faced during the pandemic

• Tougher brand market expansion due to lockdowns.
• Newly-founded online brands that increase industry competition.
• Finding ways to retain existing customers.

B2021 Campaign - Impact on business

Increased product sales up to 30% during the campaign period
Recorded additional sales of more than 100 products through the eCommerce platform, Lokein.
Saw growth in follower counts and people started getting to know the brand.

Advantages of using eCommerce platforms

• Order management is easier and more efficient rather than depending solely on WhatsApp.
• The automated processing process is helpful.
• Customers are able to make payments directly.
• No more encounters with payment fraud issues.
• Ability to store customers’ databases helps in marketing strategies.
• Increased audience reach globally as credit card payment is accepted.

---

CeeTee

Cheryl Ho was working as a marketing and public relations manager when she decided to try out a business in which she had CeeTee in mind. CeeTee produces handmade educational materials for children, such as interactive books, posters and craft kits as well as activity materials such as kites and drawing kits.

Ho’s best-selling products on CeeTee are called Montessori Kids Learning Busy Books, which are customisable interactive books for kids. The products allow parents to pick the contents from 25 activities for their children to work on. It has been operating since 2020 but only started actively marketing it starting October 2021. 

Cheryl Ho opened the CeeTee store on Shopee as her first venture into eCommerce

Challenges faced 

• Experienced failures in the past for not learning the latest business trends.
• Failed to secure places in the competitive markets.
• Marketing strategies did not work and people barely knew the products.

B2021 Campaign - Impact on business

• Spiked numbers of orders coming in after joining the campaign.
• Increased total product sales to higher than ever.
• As market demands grow, raw materials can easily be bought in bulk.

Advantages of using eCommerce platforms

• People can do this as a full-time job as the revenue is promising.
• The eCommerce affiliate programmes can help increase business exposure and audience.
• High chances to expand stable businesses to a global stage presence.
• Improved time management in preparing and packing orders.