WITHIN the Malaysian economy, a network of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) plays a crucial role – they form the nation’s backbone, accounting for a remarkable 97.4% of all enterprises and contributing a significant 38% to the country’s GDP.
MSMEs drive innovation, preserve cultural heritage and foster local prosperity through job creation and community engagement. However, their path to sustainable growth faces challenges such as rising competition and resource constraints, even more so for businesses outside major urban centres.
Fortunately, digitalisation offers a promising solution. E-commerce, a cornerstone of digitalisation, presents a powerful platform for MSMEs to overcome these obstacles. It can help businesses reduce overhead costs, transcend geographical limitations, and unlock new customer bases.
Moreover, e-commerce platforms often offer tools and features that enhance customer engagement and foster brand loyalty, creating a more interactive and personalised shopping experience. Ultimately, by embracing e-commerce, MSMEs can become more competitive in the marketplace, paving the way for long-term success.
Supercharging growth through meaningful real-time connections
Starting as a small business in Selangor and Kedah, ZEKE Store had big dreams of showcasing their clothing’s craftsmanship and distinctive designs to Malaysians nationwide. However, like many MSMEs, they had limited resources and faced fierce competition. Choosing the right platform was crucial, and for ZEKE Store, Shopee was a game-changer.
ZEKE Store’s success is partly due to its strategic mastery of Shopee Live. This innovative livestreaming feature transformed the retailer’s customer engagement strategy.
No longer confined to static product images, ZEKE Store now uses Shopee Live to showcase the quality, texture and unique style of its clothing in real time. This dynamic approach deepens connections with viewers, enabling interaction with clothes and questions, fostering trust and nurturing lasting customer relationships.
“We’re not just selling products – we’re forging meaningful connections with our customers through Shopee Live,” shared ZEKE Store founder Lai Ya Long.
Overcoming typical barriers to purchase, such as wanting to test or feel the product before purchasing, Shopee helped achieve remarkable results for the homegrown seller, resulting in a 65% increase in overall store performance. During the “6.6” campaign in 2024, their success soared further, with an impressive 85% growth compared to the same period a year earlier.
For ZEKE Store, Shopee has become more than just an e-commerce platform; it is a key element of their success. Through the strategic use of Shopee Live, they have strengthened customer bonds, showcased their brand, and brought Lai’s vision to life.
