Mixed Reviews For Brunei Grand Sale
By Za'im Zaini & Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - Several retailers said that they did not feel a significant rise in customers this year during the Brunei Grand Sale, which ended recently, despite an increment in salaries.

A shop selling men's and ladies' shoes in Kg Kiulap noted a "big difference" compared to last year's shopping spree. The number of customers frequenting the shop during Ramadhan was average, they noted.

They added that while there was a surge in customers towards the end of Ramadhan, the numbers still did not match that of last year. They said this was probably due to mushrooming shops and commercial areas.

The lack in retail sales experienced by some shops may be due to the change in spending habits, but observers noted that the growing number of shop and retail areas means shops are now getting a smaller piece of the pie, as demand has not significantly increased.

The customer base for one shop decreases if another shop opens, they stated.

However, some entrepreneurs have managed to ride out this wave of burgeoning businesses.

According to Nazeer Ahmad, Managing Proprietor of Nazmi Textile Mall, the number of customers visiting his shop this year has increased by 20 per cent, which is more than he has received in previous years.

He added that customers came from all four districts in the country and he even noticed some customers from abroad, particularly Singapore.

Mr Nazeer Ahmad felt that the Brunei Grand Sale period was too short. He also suggested for the Brunei Grand Sale not to coincide with Ramadhan as this may discourage potential tourists from Sabah, Sarawak and other countries, as they may not be able to travel during this time.

He believes that if the Brunei Grand Sale is not held during Ramadhan it would boost Brunei tourism. Meanwhile, Hjh Masnah Binte Ibrahim, 39, who has a family of four, told the Bulletin that this year they managed to spend less compared to last year. She added that this year she decided not to be tempted into buying unnecessary items and focused instead on Hari Raya items only.

For 28-year-old Dyg Rasinah binte Rosh of Kg Lambak Kid, the increment this year came in handy to spend more on clothes. When asked whether the Brunei Grand Sale prompted her to spend within the country, she said the offers were not bad but felt that retailers could still do more.

"Most items that I bought here were Hari Raya necessities only," she added.

However, Mohd Faizal, 25, also from Kg Lambak Kiri said the Brunei Grand Sale was satisfactory and he found some items to be affordable and within his range. He believes such a campaign is good for lowincome earners seeking a chance to grab items they have been wanting for.

Dyg Zaleha, 27, who works in the financial sector and resides in Kg Sungai Hancing, echoed this view. She said the Brunei Grand Sale is good for low-income earners and some shops offered good bargains.

The timing of the sale was also right as it was during Ramadhan and people could buy items for Hari Raya. She noted, however, that there were opportunists who took advantage of the sale by saying that their goods were at discounted prices even though they were not.

She suspects some unscrupulous participants of the Brunei Grand Sale may have marked up their prices, while others only gave discounts on items that were of old stocks and not new arrivals. Overall she felt that that the Brunei Grand Sale was good but there is still room for improvement. Relevant authorities were unavailable for comment.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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