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Catherine Talavera - The Philippine Star
February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
Convenience, functionality to fuel demand
MANILA, Philippines — These days, almost anything can be done through our smartphones. Ordering a meal, hailing a ride or finding the perfect gift item are just a few taps away on our smartphones.
With these conveniences already integrated into most people’s daily lives, it’s no surprise that gadgets like smartphones, laptops and tablets consistently dominate the shopping lists of most Filipinos as these items remain their top big-ticket purchases this year, according to a study conducted by financial technology firm Skyro.
For this year, Skyro said Filipino consumers are expected to focus on practical, big-ticket purchases such as gadgets, home appliances and furniture, driven by evolving lifestyles that prioritize convenience, functionality and long-term value.
“These purchases showcase the growing demand for tools and essentials that improve daily living and work-life balance,” said Lowen Medina, Skyro’s head of POS business.
Data from Skyro showed that gadgets like smartphones, laptops and tablets are expected to consistently dominate Filipino shopping lists this year.
It added that essential home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners and smart TVs are also highly sought, alongside ergonomic furniture for work-from-home setups.
The fintech firm highlighted that from 2023 to mid-2024, mobile phones led both online and offline sales, experiencing a 12-percent growth.
“This reflects the increasing need for better connectivity, with Filipinos spending an average of 20 percent more on mobile devices than in previous years,” Skyro said.
Young adults likely to purchase gadgets
Analysis from Skyro showed that young adults (20 to 44 years old) are likely to purchase gadgets and functional furniture influenced by social media trends.
It noted that this age group is also highly engaged in online shopping.
“Their use of digital wallets has surged, reflecting a preference for seamless, cashless transactions,” Skyro said.
Meanwhile, for middle-aged adults (45 to 65), practicality shapes their purchasing behavior. They focus on durable appliances and household essentials, understanding the value of long-term investments in their daily lives.
In contrast to young adults, middle-aged adults often prefer in-store shopping for big-ticket items.
Skryo added that purchases of seniors lean toward health-related products and essential appliances, with a growing openness to e-commerce for family-recommended items.
The impact of seasonality
Aside from varying spending preferences among age groups, Skryo also noted that consumer spending patterns are also strongly influenced by seasonal trends.
For example, it explained that during the summer heatwave of 2024, an unprecedented surge in air conditioner sales was observed, while the back-to-school season in August and September consistently boosted demand for laptops and computers.
“These trends highlight Filipinos’ focus on purchases that cater to immediate and long-term needs,” Skyro said.
Understanding consumer purchasing trends
Skyro head of product Dmitriy Vavulidi said that understanding the spending patterns of Filipino consumers allows Skyro to align its financial solutions with consumer needs.
“This proactive approach ensures that we remain relevant to our customers, no matter the season,” Vavulidi said.
Skyro said it remains committed to staying ahead of ever-changing consumer behaviors. By leveraging advanced analytics and a deep understanding of market trends, the company ensures its financial solutions align with Filipinos’ evolving needs.
“Our ability to anticipate demand and deliver tailored products positions Skyro not just as a financial provider but as a key enabler in helping Filipinos achieve their goals,” Vavulidi said.
