Shop Local for a Cause: This Online Platform Supports Frontliners & Small PH Businesses

Now more than ever, it’s time to heed the call to support local. From purchasing locally sourced goods to advocating domestic travel (once it’s safe again!), there are tons of ways we can help bolster Philippine businesses and the individuals behind them. Lift Lokal, a local non-profit initiative in partnership with Luxx Lash and The Good Trade, provides a channel through which we can support small local businesses and aid in valuable causes amid the COVID-19 pandemic — all in one place.

Also read: COVID-19 Heroes: These Pinoys Use Their Skills to Fight the COVID-19 Crisis

What exactly is Lift Lokal?

Amid the global COVID-19 crisis, micro and small businesses have been among those struggling to stay afloat. To help alleviate the situation, Veronica Eala and her team have put together Lift Lokal — a new online platform that puts the spotlight on independent Philippine brands, their promotional offerings, and their COVID-19 initiatives.

Grounded on the concept of bayanihan, Lift Lokal aims to empower small local businesses and help them continue to provide for the needs of their employees — all while supporting our frontliners.

“Through this initiative, our goal is to foster a community of support, to both local independent brands and groups that are strongly impacted by the pandemic,” says Veronica. “Our country is held together by medical and service frontliners who fight to keep us safe and at home. By closing the loop, we are able to support local brands while simultaneously helping them strengthen their initiatives towards these people who protect us.”

How it works

Through the online platform, you can shop with Lift Lokal’s partner brands under various categories, from beauty and wellness to fashion, home, and personal care. Featured brands include ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, The Bamboo Company, EIKA Swimwear, and Fab Manila.

As you browse through the selection, you’ll be able to access information on each brand’s exclusive promos and efforts against COVID-19. To explore your selected brand’s products and services, click on the ‘shop now’ button and Lift Lokal will redirect you to the brand’s official online store.

Big or small, any purchase you make via this platform helps keep local businesses alive, save jobs, and provide assistance to communities in need. “We want to send the message that this change can start with anyone,” Veronica says. “And that together, we can close the loop.”

How can I support Lift Lokal?

Hit ‘add to cart’ and shop local for a cause!

You can directly support Lift Lokal by visiting their official website and making purchases with any of their partner brands. As you browse through the platform, you will find that each partner brand has its own cause and accompanying special offer. This way, you can easily find a brand that caters to your needs and/or supports an initiative close to your heart.

Click that ‘share’ button

Low on funds or just trying to avoid shopping altogether? You can still show support for Lift Lokal and local independent businesses by spreading the word! Hit ‘share’ for this article, or forward a link to friends and family. These simple acts can already create a valuable impact.

Apply as a partner brand

Interested in taking part in this cause? Lift Lokal is open to partnering with more small Philippine businesses! Brands should have their own online platforms and must have their own COVID-19 initiatives. Those interested in applying may register here.

Also read: 20 COVID-19 Initiatives You Can Support Through Local Volunteer Orgs

If you’ve been actively looking for the best way to help from home, why not shop for a cause? To help support this initiative or to learn more about the platform, visit Lift Lokal’s official website.

Special thanks to Lift Lokal for choosing TripZilla Philippines as an official media partner.