In this challenging new normal, entrepreneurs usually resort to new and technology-aided marketing strategies just to sell their products and services
Marjorie Gersalia, on the other hand, still rely on the power of consistency. Her strategy to remain afloat in this time of uncertainty is to remain steady and continue to offer her products at the lowest price possible.
Marjorie owns a footwear retailing business in Valenzuela which she names Joy & Marj Footwear Store. She buys locally made footwear in Baclaran and sells them to factory workers, housewives, and students who in turn sell them for additional profit.
“Ang mga customer ko ay katulad ko din nagsusumikap kumita ng kahit kaunti para sa pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya. Ganyan din po nagsimula ang aking negosyo kaya di ko sila kayang patubuan ng malaki,” Marjorie explained.
Joy & Marj Footwear Store started when Marjorie’s husband sold ready-to-wear (RTW) garments in his workplace for extra income. Surprisingly, her husband’s retail sideline clicked among his colleagues and this led Marjorie and her family to the idea of renting a small stall and selling to a larger market. From a starting capital of PhP 20,000 in 2010, Marjorie was able to grow her business to what it is today.
“Ang usual peak season ng tindahan ay mula December to February. Pero nung 2020 ang peak na inaasahan sana namin ay di dumating,” she related.
She decided to close the stall for almost three months since they were not generating any revenue. But even during the temporary closure, the store was still incurring expenses from rent and utilities. Fortunately, Marjorie found Bayanihan CARES through Facebook.
“Akala ko di ma-approve ang loan ko sa sobrang dami ng nag-apply pero umasa pa rin ako dahil wala ng loan program na katulad ng Bayanihan CARES na walang interest at may grace period pa,” Marjorie shared.
Through the loan program, Marjorie was able to pay her bills that her store incurred during the lockdown. She was also able to purchase additional inventories for her store.
“It is really important that we have savings for unexpected times like this. Di pa kami nakakabalik sa dati at maaring matagalan pa pero malaking bagay na nakahanap kami ng pangtawid para sa aming negosyo mula sa Bayanihan CARES,” Marjorie concluded.
Posted on June 3, 2021