The Tindahan app, known for its ease of use, is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Philippines increase income and streamline operations. Dakki Alcantara, Controlled Reach Manager at Unilever, highlights how the app is unlocking new opportunities for small retailers and boosting Unilever’s sales.
Hundreds of thousands of SMEs have registered with Unilever’s Tindahan Club B2B app, and over 90% report growth in their businesses and higher income. Additionally, 73% of retailers said the app has reduced their financial worries.
For store owner Carmela, the app has been a game-changer. Stocking quality Unilever products, which once required visits from sales reps or trips to wholesalers, now takes just minutes with the app, available 24/7. The platform has improved profits, simplified inventory management, and enhanced customer satisfaction for Carmela, one of many benefiting from this digital tool.
Research by 60 Decibels in 2023 found that over 90% of retailers saw growth and higher earnings, reporting more customers, increased sales volume, and better profit margins. The app also helped 73% of retailers reduce time spent managing finances.
Dakki Alcantara explains that Unilever’s Tindahan Club is part of a broader strategy to support 2.5 million SMEs within its retail value chain. By eliminating reliance on sales reps for orders, the app improves operational efficiency, allowing retailers to restock quickly and prevent lost sales. It also offers access to a wider range of products and promotions, further reducing the need for retailers to seek other suppliers.
The app also provides Unilever with valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling more targeted promotions. Alcantara notes, “These insights allow us to run more effective promotions, tailored to our customers’ personalized needs.”
SMEs, which contribute to a $900 billion global industry, face many challenges, from increased competition to limited capital. Tindahan Club shows how digital tools can simplify operations, leading to greater sales, business success, and improved living standards.
Launched in 2019, the Tindahan app has gained even more relevance due to the pandemic-driven shift to online shopping. Unilever continues to support SMEs with digital tools, skills development, and finance initiatives like the Kabisig Summits, alongside similar digital platforms like Shikhar in India.
Unilever is committed to digitizing various key processes for SMEs, from demand generation to e-payments, empowering small businesses worldwide to grow and succeed.
