The pandemic encouraged people who were previously scared or wary of buying online to get started and made businesses aware of how important and essential a digital presence is, says Marcette Fabri, Marketing Director at Franks.

Franks already had an online platform before the pandemic struck, but Ms Fabri says digital business surged drastically when COVID-19 restrictions kicked in, so the company allocated more human resources to the space to ensure a smooth transition. And, while some

customers have since returned to shopping in-store, many have remained online or now use a mix of both, including Franks’ free click-and-collect service.

“I firmly believe that any brick-and-mortar store should be complemented by an online presence,” Ms Fabri stresses. “With life’s fast pace, an ever-increasing agenda, and an uptick in traffic on our roads, no one has the extra time needed to dedicate to doing errands.

“Thus, purchasing from reputable local companies online provides the peace of mind that you are buying quality goods and can speak to someone if something goes wrong, which is invaluable! That said, every online business must then ensure high quality of service, fast delivery and quick response times by treating online business as an important part of its strategic plan.”

This interview forms part of a larger cover story featuring the women at the helm of Malta’s major business bodies, which appeared on the latest edition of Digital Island magazine.