For a business owner who mostly relied on offline retail channels to drive sales, Mitzi Uy, founder of Mori Notes, was forced to take a 180-degree turn due to the pandemic. Mori Notes specialises in creating multifunctional journals and organizers, while providing homebased livelihood to women in Quezon City.
 

“Prior to the onset of the pandemic, we actually created a lot of products to be delivered to brick-and-mortar outlets like department stores and book stores,” the female founder recalls. “At least 80% of our sales was contributed by these retail channels.”
 

With change in buying behaviours due to the pandemic, Mitzi has had to adapt and shift from offline to online modes of selling. Although she admits that her business is not yet as active online, she made a way to pivot as she believes that the next big opportunity is online.
 

Shifting from offline to online

“I’m very thankful to UnionBank GlobalLinker because they helped us create our very first online store during the pandemic,” she shares.

Mitzi, who started her social enterprise at 23, was able to bounce back during the pandemic by maximizing sales on her online store and creating new products that are relevant to the new normal.
 

“We created face masks and dual zip sling bags that (are handy accessories) for the new normal,” she shares.


 

Mitzi’s pivot has yielded good results for her business. “It went really well online to the point that we were able to gain new sales advocates. These sales advocates were able to sell our items online,” Mitzi explains. With the help of the new sales advocates who highly believe in the mission of Mori Notes, they were able to sell all the items that were supposed to be distributed via their offline retail channels.
 

“Before, less than 20% of our sales came from online, but now, almost 80% of our sales are through online channels,” she remarks.
 

Setting up her online store

Mitzi recognizes the convenience and accessibility of setting up her online store with UnionBank GlobalLinker’s eCommerce platform. “Setting up the store has been very easy. The platform provides online store templates (that you can use). When you add photos, description and add details, you end up having a nice and professionally designed online store.”

Also read: How to create your online store on UnionBank GlobalLinker for free 

Tips to generate online traffic and sales 

It all starts with having a product that is relevant to the new normal. This is the first tip Mitzi shares when it comes to generating online traffic and sales.

“The product should be attractive, wanted or needed enough for consumers to come to your page or online store.”
 

Mitzi adds: “What’s nice with the current digital era is that you get free advertising when your customers post your products and tag you on your social media accounts.”
 

Advice for budding entrepreneurs

Finding life’s purpose through her business, Mitzi advises budding entrepreneurs to utilize the free resources that UnionBank GlobalLinker provides. “Creating an online store is very convenient and it enables you to create a digital catalogue that showcases your products.”

“I can just point all my customers who have inquiries to my online store. That’s where they can choose. They no longer need to ask (because all the details are available on my online store). And eventually, I will receive notification about their orders.“

With Mitzi’s shift from brick-and-mortar to brick-and-click store, she has proven that one can thrive despite the unforeseen circumstances as long as you have the determination and willingness to embrace and adapt to ever-changing business landscapes. 

To get to know more about Mitzi’s products, you can visit her online store at morinotes.linker.store

To explore business opportunities, link with Mitzi Uy by clicking on the 'Connect' button on her profile.

Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the inputs shared by the featured member. GlobalLinker does not necessarily endorse the views, opinions & facts stated by the members