NOT JUST AN AIRLINE. AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes says the AirAsia Shop platform does not compete with e-commerce giants, Lazada and Shopee. It will welcome local merchants as the Group expands the platform into the Philippines. (Photo taken during the virtual presser on Jan. 14, 2021)
MANILA -- The AirAsia Group on Thursday announced the expansion of its e-commerce platform, AirAsia Shop, into the Philippines.
In a virtual presser, Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said he does not intend to compete with e-commerce giants Shopee and Lazada, as the AirAsia Shop is focused on beauty, health and wellness, and fashion products, as well as exclusive merchandise.
To date, there are two local retail groups in the shop --AirAsia Philippines and Regent Asia.
Airasia.com head of Ancillary Commercial Rose Lam said the Philippines is the first country of expansion for the AirAsia Shop platform after Malaysia.
"The Philippines has a bigger market potential. Metro Manila alone has 12 million population, compared to Kuala Lumpur's population of about 7 million," she said.
The Group envisions the AirAsia Shop to be an "Asean travel and retail shopping platform that redefines duty free products," she added.
Customers may choose in-flight delivery, pick up at the airport, or have the products delivered to their doorsteps.
Lam said they are offering unlimited free delivery within Metro Manila, with no minimum purchase.
She also bared plans for the Group to launch the AirAsia Shop in Thailand and Indonesia in the first and second quarter of 2021.
Meanwhile, Karen Chan, airasia.com chief executive officer, said they will welcome local merchants who would like to partner with them.
"We are now onboarding different merchants. We welcome any distributor or merchants who would like to open their doors for us," she said.
Chan added the AirAsia Shop in Malaysia where the Group is headquartered has 60 merchants.
Locals may access the AirAsia Shop via the AirAsia app, or website, airasia.com/shop-ph. (PNA)
