CNY puts a smile on faces of shop-owners

People of all races getting into the shopping mood. Photo: Zureena Abdullah

Shoppers comprising Chinese New Year celebrants are filling up every corner of the supermarkets nationwide, bringing happiness to retailers who estimated an increase of 15 to 20 per cent in monthly sales.

After a quiet several weeks earlier this month, sales are once again heating up and is expected to last till the end of the month. Chinese from all corners of the globe will celebrate Chinese New Year on February 1.

Festivity customers are expected to intensify their shopping excursion between now and the end of the month, as those employed by the public sector would have received their salaries and bonuses today.

Likewise, other races too are participating in this shopping escapade with the release of their bonuses by the government. This contributes to the increase in sales.

While Chinese were seen pushing trolleys filled with food and beverages, other were found to be shopping for jewelleries, clothes and other fashion accessories.

Employers of the private sector are also paying out salaries earlier, instead of the usual first week of the month, to cater for the needs of their Chinese staff.

Retailers are expecting a 70 to 80 per cent increase in sales of canned drinks this month, due to the nearing celebration.

"Every year, the Chinese New Year festival period will, without fail, contribute 20 per cent to our annual sales volume. We would expect the same for this year," said a retailer.

"We are expecting good trading over the next weekend. That is why we are extending our opening hours," he said.

Meanwhile, business analysts said that established shops could invite celebrities to greet fans in conjunction with any festivity in the future as a way to attract customers and hence increase sales.

They said the celebrities could distribute 'ang pow' packets as well as offer extra goodies and gifts to lucky shoppers who could answer questions posed by them.