E-commerce outfit Mallskape is going after a bigger share of Caribbean businesses, pushing its merchant platform for enrollment of more entrepreneurs locally and across the region.

As a virtual community of businesses, Mallskape is targeting mainly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which now accounts for more than 80 per cent of Caribbean businesses, the opportunity to make their operations digital and more efficient.

“Mallskape empowers businesses to operate independently by listing products on their store front for their customers in multiple currencies with no listing cost. This assists in increasing their footprint in the marketplace both locally and internationally.

“As a result of this, a positive shift for entrepreneurs is expected within the first quarter of 2024,” a recent company release stated.

With operations now spanning a decade, the US-based e-commerce platform powered by Gortron Inc has to date onboarded scores of small businesses across the region to its platform, with eyes now set on another round of expansion, as it moves to attract more entities and add new store fronts. Currently a number of local companies across several parishes are listed on the platform, some of which include Puri-Clear water, Crowned and Clothed, Body by Kera, Pasta Krave, Nutri Motion, Numberz Lounge, Imperial Chocolate and Jerry’s Jerk Joint among several others.

“With equal focus being placed on both customer and merchant experience, Mallskape facilitates independent fulfilment of orders made on the platform. Merchants are also able to enlist the services of their preferred couriers as they use the Mallskape Rider app to deliver orders made by their customers.

“All orders delivered through the Rider app offers real-time tracking to both merchants and customers and plans are presently in motion to open Mallskape fulfilment locations to aid in additional delivery options,” the company noted.

The online mall, which is pushing to grow businesses beyond social media, through its setup allows merchants to sell a wide range of products online, providing both sellers and customers a fluid experience in bringing products to market straight through to delivery.

Allowing for the quick processing of payments, the platform utilising Stripe, a leading global payment processor, is able to provide services which it said were not previously available to Caribbean businesses either by cash on delivery or bank transfers.

“Created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, careful thought was given to ensure that Mallskape is centred on flexibility and security.

“As more emerging entrepreneurs launch start-ups every day, Mallskape has lowered the barrier for the starting subscription plan for business owners. This means restaurants, brick-and-mortar establishments, online stores, larger companies and the self-employed are able to come on board,” the company said.