Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, more Singaporeans have shopped online and e-commerce has seen a boom.
However, as the economy gradually re-opened, companies have accelerated the pace to lure customers back to their physical stores, especially as shoppers are moving to malls more.
In addition, the online marketplace is so saturated that consumers are overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available.
This has resulted in many buyers hoping for a more curated experience that allows them to make more informed decisions.
Because of this demand, Lazada launched its first mega online-to-offline shopping experience (O2O) for retailers. Referred to as Come Home To Lazada, it offers a complementary way for buyers to get involved on both platforms.
We visited the 10,000 square foot pop-up space in Raffles City to see the future of retail shopping for ourselves.
Just scan to buy
Scan the QR code marked with an item to access from the Lazada app / Photo credit: Vulcan Post
Upon entering the showroom, we received a free gift which is a S $ 5 voucher valid for a minimum of S $ 50.
The gift could be redeemed after scanning a QR code at the entrance of the pop-up area, and any member of the public who scans the code can receive it too.
We were also greeted by a reminder to download the Lazada app as the offline and online experience are closely related.
Each item displayed in the showroom has a QR code that shoppers can scan to purchase using the Lazada app. This was a welcome addition to the typical housewares shopping experience as we had easy access to all product related information.
Even if you decide not to buy the item right away, you can save it in the app until the next offer is available. The buying process is also quick and seamless, so you no longer have to join long lines to make a purchase.
Another great thing is that we were able to walk around the showroom hands-free without having to lug around our loot.
In addition, transporting purchases home has always been a problem when purchasing furniture in the store as it is usually bulky.
Thanks to Lazada's O2O experience, we don't have to worry about lugging home the items we bought or spending long periods of time arranging a delivery service.
Tailored for the modern homeowner
A chic living room on display / Image credit: Vulcan Post
Come Home to Lazada is touted for new, tech-savvy homes, and we definitely weren't disappointed.
The showroom offers furnishing ideas for the houses of tomorrow with the latest furnishings and work-from-home elements. We examined various interior topics with considerations for smart home integration as well as special areas such as a home office and a combined learning studio.
The first space that shoppers experience is the living room, which has been fully integrated with a home system and smart products. Available products include the Samsung 65 ″ QLED 4K Smart TV and the ECOVACS Robot Vacuum Cleaner, all of which were controlled via voice commands using Google Home.
A learning hall on display / Photo credit: Vulcan Post
A study was also an interesting interior concept. It is common knowledge that Singapore houses are much smaller these days. Therefore, maximizing your footprint is critical.
Additionally, with the rise of work from home, Singaporeans are increasingly trying to improve their home office spaces.
Come Home to Lazada presents the right products that you can incorporate into your home to increase comfort and productivity.
For example, the Nitro Concepts S300 gaming chair, made by a local brand, provides ergonomic support for users to work or play in comfort at an affordable price.
The room is also equipped with various exercise machines and a full-length mirror so that fitness fans can easily ensure that they are in shape while exercising.
A bathroom on display / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Even the bathrooms have been tastefully designed and given small details to aid the homeowner on their renovation journey.
For example, the hooks used in the bathroom have been vacuum attached to the walls rather than screws to accommodate landlords who cannot make alterations to their homes.
Overall, the wide range of brands on display was a good selling point and the storefront really mimicked the online marketplace experience. Some of the brands available include PRISM +, Nespresso, Novita, V.Hive, KitchenWare, Phillips, and Sonos.
A brand new retail experience
Photo credit: Vulcan Post
When businesses were badly disrupted last year due to the forced shutdown during the breaker, Lazada helped many of them spin online so they now have a dual presence: online and offline.
The shift also affected the buying behavior of consumers, who had become accustomed to the convenience of a new shopping norm of having their purchases delivered straight to their doorstep.
As first-time homeowners, we found that the "Come Home to Lazada" event helped us
Imagine what a smart home could look like and know where to buy each item locally.
In addition, the fear of making big online purchases is reduced because we could feel and test them in person. This is especially true for items like electronics and furniture with large tickets like couches and dining tables.
With a wide variety of brands and products now available on Lazada, Come Home to Lazada provides the ideal solution for consumers to address various vulnerabilities.
In addition to shopping, customers also receive freebies and freebies and can even take part in workshops that can be purchased in the app or simply by scanning the QR code.
There will be a Sure Win Surprise Bag where buyers can win top prizes such as a wireless studio earbud (worth S $ 199) and a Marshall portable Bluetooth speaker (worth S $ 379).
Come Home to Lazada takes place at Raffles Place until April 18th. During the weekend, shoppers can also take part in various workshops such as robotics, miniature clay making, and leather painting. To learn more about the event, you can visit the Lazada app.
This article was written in collaboration with Lazada.
Selected image source: Vulcan Post
