The Philippines is forecasted to be one of Southeast Asia's rising stars in the digital economy. Independent data showed the country's 73 million active online users expanded the domestic eCommerce market to $17 billion and reach $24 billion, with 17 percent growth through 2025.

Online gadget store Kimstore wants to empower and put more energy into the most critical member of its Kimmunity – its customers and the micro, small and medium enterprises by taking a giant leap in 2023 with the launch of Thrive 2023+1 initiative. Kimstore's Thrive 2023+1 offers the Kimmunity newer and wider choices, better services, and giving back more to its members and develop the country's e-commerce potential.

"That's why we are partnering with more brands to give customers a wider range of choices," said Kim "Ninang Kim" Lato, the founder, and CEO of Kimstore.

Newer and wider choices

From the very start, Kimstore's catalog was what the customers asked for — looking for a camera, a smartphone, or a laptop? Any gadget needs Ninang Kim can get it for you! As the company grew, so did its range of products.

Kimstore is about providing choices and giving its customers what they need. Kimstore's customers must be able to choose between the most expensive option and an unreliable knock-off. "We want to give our customers a right choice at the right price," Ninang Kim added.

Can't afford the top-of-the-line? There's no need to deprive yourself. In Ninang Kim's 2023+1, there will be an alternative at the best value. Your choice matters most, from your smartphone or handheld gaming console to decking out your home. With this, the store will strengthen its strategic partnerships with the different known brands in the country, such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Realme, among others, Lato added.

She continued, "It's not just more brands we're partnering with within 2023. We are also looking to collaborate with our customers' favorite content creators, big and small. Influencers and content creators are vital in learning more about our Kimmunity. We want to work with the best: from established voices to up-and-comers. We are rolling out an improved affiliate program to support tastemakers and trendsetters and make them a part of the bigger picture. With this, we would like you to look forward as we launch our newest Kimstore affiliate program to build better brand awareness."

Better service

Let us make gift-giving even easier for you.

For the first time, Kimstore will start selling its products. The decision came after Ninang Kim heard countless stories about how the store has become part of special personal moments by providing the perfect gifts, and the store wants to add to that with Kimstore Gift Cards.

According to Lato, they are partnering up with more financial institutions to give their customers their choice of payment plans and payment methods. We're continuing to strive for a seamless cart-to-checkout process. Kimstore will introduce more payment options like Buy Now Pay Later, exclusive Cash-on-Delivery offers, GCash, PayMaya, QR PH, Visa, Mastercard and GrabPay, among others.

"In 2022, we started Kimxpress for better delivery to our customers. With Kimxpress, we can better service same-day deliveries and with better quality, lessening customer complaints about packaging quality and turnaround times," she said.

Kimstore's customers in Metro Manila have enjoyed this service for the past year, bringing more joy to their shopping experience. But Ninang Kim wants to distribute this joy nationwide, starting with Metro Visayas and Metro Mindanao through its Kimstore Partner Stores by partnering with top consumer electronics stores as our partner hubs in these areas. It's time to give Visayas and Mindanao the whole Kimstore experience, Ninang Kim said as she aims to bring Kimstore closer to home. With Kimstore partner hubs nationwide, the store will be able to cut delivery time by as much as days, especially to the provinces.

Lato explained they have been testing and streamlining the new Kimstore website, which is the beginning of creating a more cohesive shopping experience. The next phase is also one of their biggest leaps in 2023. Kimstore is coming to iOS and Android with the Kimstore App.

"You asked for it, and we heard you! Mobile users have been dominating our Kimmunity, and we made it our mission to make the Kimstore experience easier to access," Lato added.

With the Kimstore App, Kimstore will be able to provide its Kimmunity with the rewards programs they deserve. Many of its customers have been with us since day one, and many more have made Kimstore their go-to online shopping partner, especially for premium electronics. Kimstore is ready to give back what is due to them in return for years of support, Ninang Kim boasts.