Keeping online inventories as close as possible to their customers through the strategic location of emerging distribution centers, micro-distribution centers and dark stores is currently one of the most important challenges for companies.
Due to the change in consumer habits, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and the popularization of online commerce, companies are busy optimizing their distribution channels for Internet sales.
Investing in automatic learning systems to offer the most appropriate products for each consumer and to strengthen the relationship between customers and manufacturers, are strategies that could improve the income of online stores.
With the arrival of a new commercial reality, e-commerce passed from being the future of several businesses, to the present of companies dedicated to the commercialization of all types of products and services.
Maintaining proper inventories to meet demand, having a robust logistics system and an electronic sales channel that protects your customers when they make a purchase, are part of the challenges that businesses face in this new reality.
With "Black Friday" and Christmas approaching, commercial establishments in the region are beginning to apply their sales and promotion strategies, with which they will try to recover part of their income.
Merging E-commerce models and face-to-face sales, through the implementation of apps that allow shopping in a physical store without going through the checkout line or selecting a fitting room from a cell phone, are the challenges for companies in the new reality.
In order to adjust to the new demands and challenges that arose from the covid-19 outbreak, at a global level companies are focused on understanding the trends that will predominate among consumers in the short and medium term.
As of August 17, Panamanian shopping centers will reactivate their operations, but only through online sales and consumers will only be able to withdraw their products, a modality that does not generate enough income to cover the costs of the shops.
Due to the covid-19 outbreak, the Panamanian government has postponed on several occasions the reactivation of productive activities in the country, but after the Cabinet Council and the health advisory teams made an analysis of the current situation, the authorities decided to reopen the premises dedicated to retail trade.
The abrupt change in consumer habits forced companies to digitalize their operations and sales, but the challenges do not stop there, as companies will have to implement effective logistics systems to reach their customers.
Encouraging online sales so that customers can pick up products without getting out of their vehicles is the commitment of some Panamanian shopping centers to comply with the safety protocols that will be required in this new commercial reality.
Due to the threat of the spread of covid-19, since mid-March, Panamanian authorities decided to close the shopping centers.
The opportunities derived from the habit of buying online, together with the current business scenario, are creating an environment where the offer of different brands of clothing and restaurants are brought together in virtual platforms.
With the spread of covid-19, social distancing measures were decreed in the region's markets, a situation that led to radical changes in consumption habits and shopping methods.
Considerable investments in the digitalization of operations, the closure of small stores and the expansion of the commercial area of the best located sales points, is part of the strategy that companies are beginning to implement in the new context of business transformation.
Managers of large corporations agree that several companies were already making progress in digitizing sales and operations, but the pandemic ended up persuading decision makers of the need to focus on online sales, and simultaneously accompany it with a plan to transform physical stores.
In the new post covid-19 reality, most consumers will cut back on spending, save more and stock up on goods, and in the e-commerce field, most people who shop online will be willing to wait up to two days to receive their product.
The new commercial reality that emerged in an accelerated way due to the health crisis, forces companies to quickly understand the changes in the consumption habits of their customers and how to take advantage of the opportunities that derive from this transformation in business.
Increasing the number of staff dedicated to delivering products to customers' homes and not making surcharges for the delivery service are some of the strategies that Costa Rican companies have applied to increase their sales in the new commercial reality.
Given the outbreak of covid-19, the health authorities have decreed home quarantines and the movement of the population has been restricted at certain times.
Increased demand for cleaning products, the use of e-commerce as a purchasing channel and the preference for functional foods are some of the new trends that will prevail in the medium and long term, once the pandemic is overcome.
According to a study prepared by the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer), the outbreak of covid-19 has caused changes in consumer behavior and to take advantage of the opportunities one must begin to understand those that will come after the pandemic is overcome.
It is predicted that "great growth opportunities for retailers and consumer brands, if they know how to exploit the information to meet the needs of current buyers.
From Procomer's article "Trends in e-commerce of mass consumption":
According to the report "E-Commerce in mass consumption", prepared by the consulting firm IRI, "the mass consumer market is ready for an online disruption", as new alliances are formed, and new distribution opportunities emerge. Antonio Khalaf, commercial director of IRI, says he is looking for " great growth opportunities for retailers and consumer brands, if they know how to exploit information to meet the needs of current buyers, who are younger, who expect an online experience, a good price, product choice and availability."
A growing trend in online shopping is forcing malls to rethink their business models and renew their strategies for attracting customers.
While Internet shopping trends in Central American countries are still a long way behind more developed markets such as the United States, businesses are already starting to feel the effects of increased consumer interest in online shopping.
This year multinational plans to invest that amount in remodeling, maintenance, new units, electronic commerce, and logistics and distribution.
From a statement issued by Walmart of Mexico and Central America:
Mexico City, 10 March 2016.- In 2016 Walmart de Mexico and Central America will invest an estimated $14.700 million pesos ($866 million), 17% higher than the total amount invested last year.
Real Estate Development & Adventure Park Jacó, Costa Rica. Multiple Investment Opportunities Available. The Ocean Ranch eco-residential development is located...