MANILA, Philippines — Beauty company L’Oreal Philippines is rolling out a digital platform that seeks to support the pandemic-hit salon industry by allowing consumers to book services and purchase products online.
Cary Co-Choa, general manager for L’Oreal Luxe and Professional Products Division at L’Oreal Philippines, said in a media roundtable the platform, called L’Oreal Salon Shop, is being launched to help salons that have been affected and challenged to keep their businesses afloat due to lockdowns imposed amid the pandemic.
Through the L’Oreal Salon Shop (www.lorealsalonshop.com.ph) which will be launched on Dec.15, consumers can consult salon experts and hairdressers on the best products and services for their hair needs.
The platform also allows consumers to shop for hair care products which can be delivered straight to their homes.
In addition, consumers can use the platform to schedule appointments for salon services and treatments.
“With the launch of this platform, the business can leverage on the digital infrastructure that L’Oreal has built and will maintain to create meaningful interaction between hair stylists and consumers,” Choa said.
She said the platform is also the company’s way of showing its commitment to help hairdressers and salons in the Philippines future-proof businesses.
“Even if we face another lockdown, hopefully no, but if we do next year, they can still bring their products and services to their customers through this platform,” she said.
Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry said an estimated 400,000 workers in salons in the country were unable to work when lockdowns were imposed.
Lota Jamer, commercial and transformation director for Professional Products Division at L’Oreal Philippines, said the online shop is being piloted with two partner salons such as Azta Urban Salon and Emphasis Salon.
“In 2022, we will be expanding to more partner salons and consequently, more geographies in the Philippines,” she said.
L’Oreal Philippines entered the country in 1989 and currently has a portfolio of 10 brands found in distribution networks such as department stores, drugstores, hair salons, travel retail and e-commerce.