To strengthen their existence in the digital era, local brands and SMEs must continue to innovate, transform, and take advantage of every opportunity that arises. However, caution is also needed when assessing opportunities. A small mistake can potentially result in losses rather than gains. Interestingly, in the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale campaign that took place until November 11th, it was able to provide great opportunities for local brands and SMEs. Apart from being crowded by users chasing various promotions, this twin date campaign is also seen as an effort to enhance business growth and make it more resilient.

Responding to the extraordinary achievement, there was a recorded increase in export orders that reached more than 4 times during the peak of the 11.11 Big Sale campaign. This opportunity was apparently well utilized by local brands and SMEs on Shopee to strengthen their potential as a further step in creating sustainable businesses. In addition to the ongoing campaign, this is realized through the support of various initiative programs, such as the Shopee Export Program, which is one of the strategies to expand business into foreign markets.

"Shopee Export Program is not only a gateway to open new opportunities, but also a tool to strengthen business strategies. Of course, we will guide local brands and MSMEs through Shopee MSME Campus and Shopee Export MSME Campus on how to understand international market trends, adapt products to global preferences, while optimizing the Shopee e-commerce platform as a future strategy. We hope that through the innovative programs that Shopee presents, we can always help local brands and MSMEs progress," Monica continued.

This can be seen from the increase in transactions up to 7 times from local brands and micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) during the peak of the 11.11 campaign compared to regular days. Not only that, the community also appears to be more enthusiastic in hunting for various desired local products and UMKM, especially in the Beauty, Fashion, and Lifestyle categories, which apparently received special attention in the hearts of consumers throughout the campaign. This shows how local business players utilize Shopee as a strong partner in driving business development and inclusive digital market penetration.

Monica Vionna, Head of Marketing Growth Shopee Indonesia said, "As a campaign that offers the biggest year-end promo, 11.11 Big Sale is not only about shopping, but also a form of Shopee's support to provide greater opportunities and exposure to local brands and products."

"Tujuannya, mendorong para konsumen untuk semakin tertarik menjelajahi produk dalam negeri, seiring membantu brand lokal untuk dapat diterima seluruh masyarakat luas. Menariknya, di sepanjang kampanye 11.11 Big Sale ini pun kami merasakan tingginya minat konsumen untuk berbelanja produk lokal dan UMKM dari ragam kategori yang dihadirkan. Hal ini menjadi aspek penyemangat kami untuk selalu memberikan berbagai inovasi dan inisiatif yang bermanfaat bagi seluruh ekosistem, mendorong pertumbuhan bisnis lokal, dan memperkuat koneksi antara penjual dan konsumen," lanjutnya."

Committed to bringing buyers and sellers closer together, various features such as Shopee Live offer solutions through real-time interaction and communication. It allows buyers to inquire about products and even see product demonstrations more clearly, thus enhancing trust and becoming an attraction of its own. This enthusiasm is evident from the increased number of Shopee Live sessions presented by local brands and SMEs during peak campaigns, which has multiplied by 6 times. This aspect further demonstrates that live streaming has now become a platform for sellers to build communities with their customers.

Pushing for the improvement of local brand existence while providing convenience for users to share product inspiration turns out to be a new field for additional income. At the peak of this 11.11 campaign, more and more sellers are experiencing the benefits and advantages of this program, where there is a recorded increase in the number of products from local brands and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have been promoted through Shopee Affiliate, amounting to more than 9 times.

The spirit of consumers who support the growth of local businesses and appreciate the creativity and quality of products from local entrepreneurs is strongly felt throughout the 11.11 Big Sale campaign. It is not only a moment to search for the biggest year-end promotions that offer many benefits, but also illustrates how sellers from various islands in Indonesia compete to present their best products on the Shopee platform. Therefore, it is not surprising that some islands in Indonesia have their own best-selling product trends.

Just call it the island located in the westernmost part of Indonesia, namely Sumatra Island. It turns out that Minyak Telon, Baby Diapers, and Children's T-shirts are the most purchased local products and MSMEs during the peak of the campaign. This shows that the need for products in the Mother and Child category is currently a highly sought-after trend for new mothers in Sumatra. Moving on to Java Island, as the most populous island, it seems that shopping trends are influenced by the increasingly widespread local brands with unquestionable product quality. It is evident that many users are buying Hand & Body Lotion and Facial Moisturizers from local brands to achieve maximum appearance. However, the search for Smartphone products is also the highest on this island.

Different from Bali Island which is often referred to as the paradise of tourist destinations. On the contrary, towards the end of the year it seems that this island will be a crowded vacation spot. In line with that, Bali's Kebaya, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen products have become the most sought-after products to prepare for welcoming local and foreign tourists. Surprisingly, in Kalimantan Island, the current season is transitioning from hot to rainy, so raincoat, Men's & Women's Jackets, and Hoodies have become the most popular local products and SMEs during the peak of the 11.11 campaign. Users can be seen preparing equipment to welcome the rainy season at the end of the year.

In addition, Sulawesi Island also has a lot of diversity in the needs of its people. Interesting findings from the shopping behavior of its people, products such as Fans, Neon Lights, as well as Pots and Pans are the most purchased on Sulawesi Island. It seems that products from the Household category are the main needs on this island. Papua Island is not less surprising with fashion products such as Cargo Pants, Men's Watches, Couple Bracelets, and Couple Clothes becoming the favorite products of the people. Although it is far from the capital city, the people, especially on this island, are still up-to-date in following the existing trends, so fashion products and accessories become sought-after by the residents there.

One of them, the positive impact felt by local brand partners Benang Jarum, and NAMA Beauty. Not only their products are excellent, but these local brand partners also feel tremendous enthusiasm from users when taking advantage of special promos, especially during the peak of the 11.11 Big Sale campaign last Saturday. It can be seen how the local fashion brand, Benang Jarum, managed to record a transaction increase of more than 93 times compared to normal days.

Has joined Shopee since 2020, the owner of the Allyssa Hawadi brand, Co-Founder Benang Jarum, revealed, "Being part of the excitement of the 11.11 Big Sale is certainly one of the effective strategies that we have utilized. We are happy to grow together and feel the positive atmosphere from Shopee users for our brand since the beginning of joining. As a fashion business player, this collaboration not only opens opportunities for our business growth until now, but also creates sustainable opportunities so that local brands are increasingly recognized and known by the wider community. We hope that in the future, Shopee will always bring innovation to support us in achieving success together."

Including in the category that receives high enthusiasm, the beauty brand NAMA Beauty also experiences remarkable achievements. Participating in the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale and utilizing the features presented throughout the campaign, NAMA also successfully recorded an increase of more than 64 times in products sold compared to ordinary days. Even the Nama Beauty x Mami Louisee product, namely the toner bundle, became one of the best-selling local products in this year's 11.11.

Various trends and achievements that are seen throughout this 11.11 Big Sale campaign, both in the implementation of business strategies by local entrepreneurs on Shopee and in the trends and online shopping behavior of loyal users, have become the basis and foundation for Shopee to continue innovating. Users can enjoy various best offers until the end of this year to have a convenient and profitable shopping experience. Come on, download the Shopee app now for free on the App Store or Google Play Store. To make the transaction process even more practical, don't forget to activate ShopeePay.