How This Low-Key Store Became the Nest for Nifty Gadgets You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
They have all the multi-purpose tech you didn't know you needed.
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(SPOT.ph) Shrouded under foliage and located right beside an unassuming home, you'll find the aptly named physical store of The Nest along the restaurant-lined street of Connecticut, among subdivisions in Greenhills.
With nearly 90,000 followers on Instagram, The Nest has built its following through its Lazada and Shopee stores. Starting out as an online store during the pandemic, the lifestyle tech shop opened its doors in San Juan in 2022 so that their customers can try their nifty gadgets in person.
In an exclusive interview with SPOT.ph, The Nest co-founders Jowell Wong and Mark Anthony Ang talk about how they started selling gadgets along with their other co-founder Michael Lim; their best-selling products that are also perfect as gifts; and what’s next for their brand.
How The Nest was built
Similar to how a nest is built by birds bringing home bits and pieces they find elsewhere, The Nest (as in the brand) was built by bringing home products for themselves. "First, we bought a few items for personal use. Then, sa bahay lang [namin] siya," Jowell recounts. "So, pumunta yung mga friends namin. Nagandahan sila d’on sa item. Saan daw nabili? So nagpabili sila. So binilhan namin sa ibang country."
Then, their friends told their friends. They saw an opportunity. "We can do business pala. Interesado pala sila sa mga items na gusto natin." They started out with just 10 items. Now, they have almost 200 products listed on Lazada, Shopee, and on display on their shelves in-store.
But just because they've added to their catalog doesn't mean they've lost the original personal touch that started the whole thing in the first place. All of the items they sell are still hand-picked by the owners themselves.
It's not as simple as just finding some gadget online. Mark explains, "Pagdating sa amin ng item, test muna, kapain mo muna." Once they like the item, that’s when they order more of it for their clients.
They make it a point to have new additions to their product catalog every three months because they know that their customers' needs are always changing. "Kailangan meron ka at meron na bago. You innovate. Kung hindi, mahuhuli ka, e'. 'Yung TV, after 10 years, TV pa rin e'. Ito hindi. Kailangan mag-improve ka nang mag-improve," Mark says.
But no matter how many new products they add, they only have one objective. "Ang main goal talaga namin is matulungan 'yung everyday life ng tao and make it easy," Jowell says.
The Nest's best-selling gadgets
Their goal to make their customers' day-to-day easier can be seen in the products that they choose to sell. More often than not, The Nest's items have more than one purpose. Either that or it serves a specific purpose that you probably never even thought about before.
Take, for example, their ultimate bestseller. They didn't even have to think about what their top gadget was. "Number 1 is the Daewoo Circulation Fan," Jowell answers. It's a fan that recirculates the air around the room with its multi-directional and wide-angle shaking head that doubles as a night lamp.
As of writing, it's on sale for P8,999 on Lazada and Shopee. It's been two years since they added the fan to their lineup, but they still restock it every time they run out.
(left to right) Xiaomi Mijia Airmate Air Circulator (P6,499 on Lazada and Shopee)
Viomi Smart Circulation Fan (P8,999 on Lazada and Shopee)
Daewoo Circulation Fan (P8,999 on Lazada and Shopee) in white
The Daewoo Circulation Fan is also their personal favorite among all the things that they sell. "Minimalist siya. Malinis tingnan. Tapos pwede siyang gawing night lamp. Malakas, tahimik," Mark adds. The Nest is currently the only store that carries the product in the Philippines.
Kulax Graphene Heated Jacket (P6,499 from P10,398 on Lazada and Shopee)
Another best-selling item throughout the year is the Kulax Graphene Heated Jacket (P6,499 from P10,398 on Lazada and Shopee), which is a hit with jet-setting customers who are traveling to countries with colder climates.
Instead of layering with fleece jackets and wool overcoats, users can simply just connect the jacket to a powerbank from the inside and they’ll be warmed up (in three different temperatures!) wherever they go. The sleeves are also removable to fit the user’s needs. And don’t worry, all the technical stuff is waterproof.
(left to right)
Daewoo Handheld Garment Steamer (P3,499 from P4,199 on Lazada and Shopee)
Xiaomi Yesoul Fascia Gun Massager (P3,499 from P6,998 on Lazada and Shopee)
WIWU 3in1 Portable Wireless Charger (P2,999 from P4,499 on Lazada and Shopee)
Customers are also a fan of the WIWU 3in1 Portable Wireless Charger (P2,999 from P4,499 on Lazada and Shopee) that can fast-charge your iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch all at the same time. It's also foldable, which means you can bring it with you during trips so you don’t have to pack (and potentially lose) a million wires just to charge your everyday gadgets.
Mancave Authentic Containers (P6,999 from P8,945 on Lazada and Shopee)
More multi-functional products from The Nest
During the interview, one of their customers arrived at the store. It was easy to tell she was a regular. "Meron na ba ako nito?" she asked the store attendants who knew the answer to every question you'd throw at them—whether it was about product features or units sold.
One item that the regular was particularly interested in was the Marshall-licensed mini refrigerator (P42,999 from P56,700 on Lazada and Shopee) that she wanted for her family room.
Marshall 4.4L Capacity Black Fridge (P42,999 from P56,700 on Lazada and Shopee)
"For man cave siya," Jowell explains after saying that the fridge is popular with their customers. While the buttons aren't functional, they can be pressed and moved around. And again, The Nest is the only store that sells the Marshall fridge.
Marshall Willen (P6,590 from P9,885 on Lazada and Shopee)
In case you're curious, they do have actual Marshall speakers on-hand—from the portable and waterproof Marshall Willen (P6,590 from P9,885 on Lazada and Shopee) to more heavyweight, amp-looking ones like the Marshall Acton III (P18,990 from P24,867 on Lazada and Shopee).
Divoom Mini Karaoke (P4,999 from P7,999 on Lazada and Shopee)
W-King 30W Bass HD Sound Bluetooth Speaker (P5,499 from P7,479 on Shopee)
They also have other speakers that aren't from well-known high-end brands, but can compete in terms of sound quality. They're not as expensive, too.
Baseus 8L Portable Fridge (P8,999 from P13,499 on Lazada and Shopee)
While it’s not designed to look like a speaker, the Baseus 8L Portable Fridge (P8,999 from P13,495 on Lazada and Shopee) works for both beauty products and beverages. There's also another version with a translucent window (P4,999 from P6,998 on Lazada and Shopee). It'll keep your skincare safe from heat (ICYDK, vitamin C should be kept from sunlight) and it's also great for storing your nightstand water.
Jollying Collapsible Suitcase (P7,999 from P11,999 on Lazada and Shopee)
Another item worth checking out would be the Jollying Collapsible Suitcase (P7,999 from P11,999 on Lazada and Shopee) that can fit in your large maleta. It's perfect for those times you just know you're going over the weight limit on the flight back home. Because where are you gonna put all your pasalubong and pasabuy for your friends?
Xiaomi Guard Suitcase (P6,699 from P7,999 on Lazada and Shopee)
The foldable carry-on fits perfectly inside the 26-inch Xiaomi Guard Suitcase (P6,699 from P7,999 on Lazada and Shopee) that's made out of durable aluminum alloy. Jowell reveals that their customers who have the most high-end of suitcases (you know the one) end up buying the Xiaomi suitcase because it's lighter and has more space. Plus, they won't feel bad about it getting scratched because it's not as expensive.
Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine (P5,999 from P11,099 on Lazada and Shopee)
Folding Automatic Water Dispenser (P1,499 from P2,248 on Lazada and Shopee)
The Nest’s gadgets for gifting
The Nest is also the perfect place to look for gifts. It doesn't matter if it's for Christmas or for a birthday, for your best friend or for your mom—you're sure to find something they'll like and find useful. And it won't break the bank.
"Usually kasi pag for gift, may budget. So, ranging from P2,000 to P5,000. Meron tayo niyan," Jowell says. A go-to gift is the Xiaomi Yesoul Fascia Gun Massager (P3,499 from P6,998 on Lazada and Shopee). It's gender-neutral, portable, rechargeable...and who doesn't like massages?
Garment steamers are also a great pick, especially for those who are new to #adulting. The Daewoo Handheld Garment Steamer (P3,499 from P4,199 on Lazada and Shopee) is designed to work like an iron so you’re assured of wrinkle-free clothes.
For something more compact, the Lofans Mini Wireless Ironing Machine (P2,499 from P4,999 on Lazada and Shopee) is a rechargeable iron that would easily fit into your luggage.
Dual Umbrella (P1,299 from P1,948 on Lazada and Shopee)
What's next for The Nest
It's only been a year since The Nest opened their brick-and-mortar store—they opened on 11.11 in 2022—but their loyal customers can look forward to a closer outpost soon.
"Siguro next 'yung BGC na," Mark says. Just don't expect them to set up shop in a mall. They think of how to make it easier for customers every step of the way—down to how to load your newly bought things onto your ride. It just won't be efficient if you have to walk the entirety of a mall with your heavy haul of appliances and other devices.
"We're trying to study na makapag-branch out pa kami," Jowell adds. "More branches, more products."
"More innovative products," Mark agrees.
With their personal curation (and in-depth testing) of inventive gadgets, they’re sure to know which ones their customers will need for their own space. Whether you're shopping for The Nest’s items on Lazada, Shopee, or at their storefront, you’ll definitely find something that would make your space feel custom to your own needs.
After all, as Jowell says, "Nest is home."
The Nest is available online on Lazada and Shopee. The Nest store is located at 55-B, Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan City.
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