PETALING JAYA: For some Malaysians, National Day sales are less about impulse buying and more about finally ticking long-delayed purchases off their wish lists.
With discounts offered on everything from clothing and shoes to electronics, sports equipment and furniture, the sales period gives consumers an opportunity to make purchases they have been considering for months.
A pair of running shoes had been on the wish list of 27-year-old accountant Nur Aina Rahman for some time.
She wanted to replace her old pair but kept postponing the purchase as other expenses took priority.
“When I saw the 31% discount during the Merdeka sale, I thought it would be a good time to get them,” she said, adding she paid RM137 for the shoes.
Rather than buying only the shoes, Aina also picked up several pieces of clothing.
She said sales allowed her to stretch her budget while remaining selective about what she bought.
“I don’t usually buy something just because it is on sale. I would rather wait for something I already need to become more affordable,” she said.
Aina said the biggest satisfaction came from knowing she had waited for the right opportunity.
“I think sales are most useful when they help you buy something you have already been thinking about, rather than making you buy things you don’t need,” she said.
For Jason Lim, the National Day period is a good time to shop as discounts make some purchases more affordable.
The 35-year-old operations manager has been planning to replace several ageing electrical appliances at home but was reluctant to make multiple major purchases at once.
“I have been thinking about replacing some of my electrical appliances for quite a while.
“They still work, so there is no urgency but I know I would have to replace them eventually.”
He said he had been waiting for a promotion that offers big discount.
“If I am going to spend the money anyway, I might as well wait for a period when I can get a better price,” he said.
For now, Lim said he is still comparing prices, features and warranties across various models and brands before making a decision.
“The discount is important, but I also want to know that I am getting something that will last,” he said.
