Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that more people are discovering local and international businesses through social media instead of traditional advertising. Whether it’s clothing, home products, food, or small businesses, recommendations from friends, reviews, and short videos seem to influence purchasing decisions much more than they did a few years ago.
I’m curious if others have noticed the same trend in Somalia or within the Somali diaspora. Do you prefer supporting smaller businesses that focus on quality and customer service, or do you usually stick with well-known brands because they feel more reliable?
Another thing I’ve observed is that many younger shoppers seem to value versatility. Instead of buying items for only one occasion, they look for clothing that can be styled in different ways and worn multiple times.
While browsing online recently, I noticed that co-ord sets for women have become a popular option for people looking for both comfort and a polished look. One of the brands I came across was Sable Vogue, which made me think about how newer businesses are trying to build trust through quality and customer experience rather than competing only on price.
What do you think has the biggest influence on your buying decisions today—recommendations, quality, price, or a brand’s reputation?