‘The Manila Times’ forum tackles technology’s place in retail sector

THE retail sector has seen a resurgence or even a revival as a result of the easing of restrictions in the country.

Various retail companies are reporting excellent earnings and recoveries in the third quarter of 2022.

There had been a shift in the behavior of customers in the past two years, however, as more of them headed to online channels in order to get their goods and because of this, some have chosen to forego actual shopping and continue sticking to digital means as the pandemic is not totally over.

Despite the high revenues and profits, retailers are still being highly encouraged to adapt and integrate technology and digitization into their businesses or risk getting left behind.

The Philippine Retailers Association said the sector must find balance in staying competitive, being sustainable, and keeping their businesses profitable and thriving while serving their customers.

“As an industry, retail is fast evolving into a better and bigger landscape and is opening new doors for opportunities through technology and innovation,” the association said.

The latest trends in e-commerce, the new roles and opportunities of brick-andmortar businesses, how businesses can better serve customers in the new normal, the retailers’ latest efforts on sustainability, and the ways of enhancing customers’ experiences — all these are continuously changing or evolving.

Where technology and digitization can usually be incorporated will be the main topic in The Manila Times Business Forum titled: “Tech Leveraging: The Future of Retailing.”

Speakers for the event are PRA President and Wilcon Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rose Marie Bosch-Ong and Bayo Chief Executive Officer Leo Lagon.

The Manila Times editor Dafort Villaseran and the paper’s Technology editor Jing Garcia will serve as the moderators.

This event will be simultaneously livestreamed on The Times Facebook page, YouTube channel and Dailymotion account.