PETALING JAYA: Despite the popularity of e-commerce, many people are still drawn to the charm of physical shopping when it comes to buying their Hari Raya Aidilfitri clothes.
For 23-year-old undergraduate Diafasha Dinanti Mubran, nothing quite replaces the experience of stepping into a store, feeling the fabrics, and choosing an outfit that captures the festive spirit.
Although shopping online is convenient, she said buying stuff in person remains her preference.
The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak student said she has yet to purchase her new outfit as she has been busy working part-time to save up for the celebrations and would only shop about a week before the festival.
“Raya only comes once a year, so it feels more meaningful to buy my clothes and tudung at a store rather than online.
“If it’s regular clothing, buying online is fine. But when it comes to Raya outfits, I want to experience the joy of physical shopping.
“Usually I browse online first; after that, I will head to the store to look for the ones that catch my eye,” she said yesterday.
Diafasha, who will return to her hometown in Banting, Selangor, for the festival, said comfort always takes priority over big-name brands when choosing her attire.
“I’m open to any style, whether it’s a baju kurung, kebaya or kebarung, as long as it looks beautiful on the first morning of Raya. As for tudung, I prefer wearing shawls,” she added.
Another shopper, Norasikin Abd Rahman, 31, also prefers the traditional way of shopping, particularly when choosing clothes for her husband Mohd Nazrul Idris, 30.
She said being able to check the size, fabric and quality in person made a significant difference.
“Fabric plays an important role. Sometimes the material may look good online, but when you wear it, it could feel hot or uncomfortable.
“If we make the wrong choice online, it could affect our family’s Raya preparation budget,” she said, adding that the family would celebrate the festival at her husband’s hometown in Melaka this year.
Part-time sales assistant Alicia Tee Zi Chen, 23, said the excitement of last-minute shopping remains strong, with customer numbers usually surging about a week before the festival despite competition from online sellers.
“Most Gen Z customers my age still prefer buying Raya clothes physically rather than online.
“They often ask about sizing, material and durability.
“What’s fascinating is that customers come from many backgrounds.
“They include Chinese shoppers, who buy baju kurung for open houses, office functions and other celebrations throughout Syawal,” she added.
