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| The official homepage of DataBlitz's eCommerce store (Image Source: Yugatech/DataBlitz) |
The implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and Luzon last March followed by various degrees of quarantine imposed nationwide pushed many shopping malls where most of DataBlitz's branches are located to be temporarily closed except for essential businesses and services. This has prompted the leading video gaming store chain in the country to adapt to what is considered the "new normal". Fortunately, the demand for video game hardware, software and accessories skyrocketed considering that many consumers are seeking ways to keep themselves entertained while staying safe inside their homes. Question for the likes of DataBlitz is, "how do you reach them?"
According to undisclosed reliable sources in an interview with SPIN.ph, DataBlitz began exploring a digital storefront in early April which only catered to subscribers at first. A few weeks later, it upgraded to a fully-pledged e-commerce store, which you can check out at ecommerce.datablitz.com.ph, offering a variety of games, supplies and services that are usually availed at physical stores before the threat of the pandemic. From its initial lineup of available games including Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 3 Remake and the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake, DataBlitz's e-commerce store is now filled with pages of games and peripherals on sale.
On the other hand, DataBlitz also launched a separate digital store, digital.datablitz.com.ph, that offers a handful of game keys, Google Play cards, Steam digital wallet codes and other online service top-ups. From then on, the store has also established its presence on social media through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in order to reach out to netizens' inquiries about games. More curated content are regularly appearing on the store's Instagram news feed before and during the pandemic while its approach on Twitter has been tweaked, leaning to more modern interactions using memes, emojis and puns to better appeal to gaming-savvy millennial audiences.
DataBlitz's digital strategy amidst the pandemic also focuses on the peace of mind of its customers with an order status page that tracks one's purchases in real-time as well as a seven-day replacement warranty period for deliveries with factory defects. As stated on the frequently asked questions (FAQs) page of the store's website, "All products purchased from DataBlitz are entitled to a seven-day full replacement warranty for items that arrived for factory defects. Customers may bring said item(s) to any DataBlitz branch (upon lifting of the Community Quarantine) for such purpose. These developments made by DataBlitz have proven to more effective than it expected as many gamers are reaping their own benefits of purchasing their favorite games online and without the need to go outside their homes. Online commerce is definitely one people should embrace as part of the new normal, and it is assured that there are places within the eCommerce space such as DataBlitz and Game One PH ready to answer the demand of self-isolated gamers.
