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| (Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons) |
The strong demand coming from Filipino consumers is literally a strong
statement that Xiaomi is one brand that has never been forgotten despite its failures
leading to its exit in the Philippine market back in 2016, and this would push
the Chinese mobile brand to try its luck once more in the market that has its
presence shoved by its fellow competition.
When it first entered the local smartphone market, Xiaomi veered away from the traditional brick and mortar sales strategy that has been used mostly by international brands that have entered the market. Instead, it only focused on the online marketplace targeting online-savvy Filipinos who consider online shopping as a convenient way to purchase their desired products. Its strategy was welcomed overwhelmingly by mixed criticism from Filipino netizens and tech enthusiasts and eventually steered the brand's impact to the bottom of the food chain.
However, reports from local tech blogs Yugatech and Revu Philippines
state that Xiaomi is set to return to the Philippines by February, more
probably during the observance of the Chinese New Year celebration in the
Philippines. Its products will be initially available online via Lazada
Philippines which happens to be Xiaomi's partner in its first attempt to break
even in the local market. The company is set to sell its devices via Shopee as
well.
However, an interesting factor in its return to the Philippines is that
Xiaomi will be opening its first concept stores in Quezon City and SM Megamall
as part of its revitalized market strategy. This could be a game changer but Xiaomi
will have to face tougher competition that has gained a strong presence in the
Philippine market such as Vivo, OPPO, Huawei and Samsung to name a few. Nevertheless,
the announcement of its return would ease consumers' negativity on Xiaomi and tech
enthusiasts including myself are hopeful that the Chinese brand will not repeat
the mistakes of its past with its new strategy on the horizon. At least, it
could be a fresh and intriguing start when Mi arrives on the month of love.
