Handicraft is one of the dominant sectors of the Indian economy. To make handicrafts more accessible, it is essential to concentrate on the upliftment of skills, exposure to the latest technology and awareness among consumers. As handicrafts are non-essential items, the demand for products declined drastically in COVID 19 pandemic and affected the livelihood of the artisan communities. Many handicraft artisans were dependent on NGO’s, exhibitions, and events to reach their potential market. However, in the lockdown period they were unable to sell through physical platforms. Digitalization in this period has changed the shape of business in all aspects. Omnichannel marketing is the integration of various marketing channels used to interact with consumers. In a similar period, this marketing channel has boomed because of the availability of digital platforms. With the advancement of technology, there is a change in the buying process. This paper is a study about the various problems faced by the artisans, the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on their livelihood, and the importance of omnichannel marketing that will be useful for them to revive and survive in the days to come. The data collection process comprises structured interviews with artisans from various handicraft sectors across India. The collected data was analyzed qualitatively through context analysis and thematic analysis. The research concluded in acceptance of omnichannel marketing with the artisans to make maximum sales. This type of marketing strategy not only helps consumers in buying the products but also interacts with the artisans directly. Omnichannel marketing represents a crucial direction to empower artisans and expand their market reach while establishing their brand presence and enhancing their potential for economic success.

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From Traditional to Digital: Omnichannel Strategies for Handicraft Success in the Post-COVID 19 Era

  • Anandita Goenka,
  • Tanmay Kulkarni

摘要

Handicraft is one of the dominant sectors of the Indian economy. To make handicrafts more accessible, it is essential to concentrate on the upliftment of skills, exposure to the latest technology and awareness among consumers. As handicrafts are non-essential items, the demand for products declined drastically in COVID 19 pandemic and affected the livelihood of the artisan communities. Many handicraft artisans were dependent on NGO’s, exhibitions, and events to reach their potential market. However, in the lockdown period they were unable to sell through physical platforms. Digitalization in this period has changed the shape of business in all aspects. Omnichannel marketing is the integration of various marketing channels used to interact with consumers. In a similar period, this marketing channel has boomed because of the availability of digital platforms. With the advancement of technology, there is a change in the buying process. This paper is a study about the various problems faced by the artisans, the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on their livelihood, and the importance of omnichannel marketing that will be useful for them to revive and survive in the days to come. The data collection process comprises structured interviews with artisans from various handicraft sectors across India. The collected data was analyzed qualitatively through context analysis and thematic analysis. The research concluded in acceptance of omnichannel marketing with the artisans to make maximum sales. This type of marketing strategy not only helps consumers in buying the products but also interacts with the artisans directly. Omnichannel marketing represents a crucial direction to empower artisans and expand their market reach while establishing their brand presence and enhancing their potential for economic success.