PETALING JAYA: Local brands and matching outfits are hot in demand for this coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, say retailers.
Bumiputra Retailers Organisation Malaysia adviser Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said shopping for Hari Raya started several weeks earlier this year compared to previous years.
“The last-minute shoppers are likely those waiting for their bonuses to come in before going bargain hunting,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Ameer Ali added that shoppers usually find good bargains, in the more organised indoor bazaars.
“The smaller traders selling baju kurung or baju Melayu would want to cash in and dispose of their stock before the festivities. This means that they will offer their clothes at lower prices.”
Ameer Ali, who is also Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director, also noted that more and more families are keen to indulge in “sedondon Raya”, where they don outfits of the same colour for the festivities.
“Social media influencers are responsible for this growing trend. This is why some families do their shopping earlier so that they can colour-coordinate their attire to avoid disappointment if stock runs out,” he added.
Asked if Malaysian consumers were driven to do last-minute shopping because of worries of higher prices as a consequence of tariffs imposed by the US government, Ameer Ali said no.
“The issue of tariffs and a higher cost of goods is not so much on the minds of shoppers here unlike in the United States and Canada, where it is currently a daily talking point. Malaysian shoppers are more concerned about the rise in the cost of living in general.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia Retailers Association president Datuk Andrew Lim said local brands are becoming more popular with local consumers over the last decade because of several factors.
This phenomenon, he added, is seen in products such as shoes, bags and accessories.
“The trend is growing for local brands, which are consistently improving on quality and value.
“Interest in these goods is still growing and has yet to peak. This is a positive development.”
