When Foot Traffic Dips, BRI's Pasar.id Offers Bojonegoro Merchants a Digital Lifeline

BOJONEGORO, JurnalPost.com – Declining foot traffic is a persistent challenge for traditional market vendors. When the number of walk-in customers drops, sales activity often follows suit. This reality has prompted many merchants to seek alternative methods to sustain their businesses while reaching new clientele.

In Bojonegoro, the adoption of the Pasar.id digital platform, supported by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), has become a viable alternative for vendors to expand their marketing reach beyond traditional face-to-face transactions.

Mafianto, a vendor at Banjarejo Market in Bojonegoro, noted that market activity is not always consistent. At certain times, the number of shoppers decreases, which directly impacts sales potential.

According to Mafianto, the availability of a digital-based shopping service allows vendors to continue offering products to the public, including consumers who are unable to visit the market in person.

"If we only rely on customers coming to the market, it can sometimes be very quiet. With Pasar.id, we have the opportunity to gain new customers. So, even if not all buyers come in person, there is still a chance for transactions," Mafianto explained.

Vendors Begin Adapting to Digital Shopping Habits

Shifting consumer shopping habits are a major focus for traditional vendors. The widespread use of smartphones has given consumers more options for fulfilling their daily needs.

Many people now prioritize convenience, including searching for product information and placing orders without having to visit the physical point of sale.

Mafianto believes that vendors must respond to these changes to remain competitive and retain their customer base.

Through Pasar.id, vendors have the opportunity to introduce their goods to a wider pool of potential buyers. Consumers can view available products and place orders online.

In this way, sales activity is no longer entirely dependent on the number of visitors physically entering the market. However, the success of the platform still depends on consumer interest and ongoing transaction activity.

Beyond assisting with marketing, digital services also have the potential to introduce traditional shops to customers who were previously unaware of the products they sell.

Local Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Gain New Income Opportunities

The benefits of developing digital shopping services extend beyond just vendors and consumers. Delivery activities also open up opportunities for local motorcycle taxi drivers to earn additional income.

When consumers place orders from market vendors, delivery services help ensure that the goods reach the buyers.

For motorcycle taxi drivers, this service provides an alternative source of income, especially when demand for passenger transport is low.

"The benefits of digitalization are not only felt by sellers and buyers, but also by the community members involved in the distribution process," said Mafianto.

The involvement of vendors, buyers, and motorcycle taxi drivers demonstrates how technology can integrate various economic activities into a single trading ecosystem.

Vendors Hope for Greater Awareness of Pasar.id

Mafianto hopes that the use of Pasar.id will continue to grow and become more widely known among the people of Bojonegoro. He believes that consumer participation is a crucial factor in ensuring the digital service provides sustainable benefits for traditional market vendors.

"I hope more people will use Pasar.id. It helps vendors gain customers, makes it easier for buyers to get what they need, and keeps the market economy moving," he expressed.

BRI's support for the development of Pasar.id is part of an effort to encourage the digitalization of trade activities in traditional markets.

The presence of this service provides an alternative for small business owners to align their marketing strategies with technological advancements and changing consumer needs.

For vendors like Mafianto, utilizing a digital platform does not mean abandoning conventional sales methods. Instead, technology serves as an additional tool to sustain their business and open doors to new customers.

Amidst ever-evolving trade competition, the ability to adapt is a key factor for the survival of traditional markets. By leveraging digital services, vendors are expected to maintain opportunities to grow their businesses even when market foot traffic is not always high.