E-wallet usage in sari-sari stores on the rise

Sari-sari stores are increasing their usage of e-wallets to support their operations and cater to customer demand, according to technology startup Packworks.

- Louella Desiderio

A survey of more than 2,000 sari-sari store owners within Packworks' nationwide network found that half of the respondents saw a 75-percent increase in e-wallet usage in their store operations from January and August.

Other respondents also saw substantial growth with 20 percent experiencing a 100-percent increase in usage, another 20 percent posting a 50-percent growth and 10 percent reporting a 10-percent increase.

Packworks said store owners attributed the growing adoption to increased consumer demand as customers are also using e-wallets to purchase goods, access funds and settle bills at their local stores.

E-wallets are being used by store owners for various parts of their business operations.