Affordable Prices Main Draw For Last-minute Raya Shoppers

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- With just a few days left before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, shopping malls around the capital are becoming increasingly lively as city dwellers flock to complete their last-minute preparations.

A survey by Bernama at Publika Shopping Gallery and the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) found shoppers busy picking up various festive essentials, including clothing, traditional cookies and cosmetics.

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Fatin Hamid, 26, said she had to leave her Raya preparations until the last minute due to time constraints caused by her busy work schedule.

“I’ve been quite busy lately, so only now do I have the chance to come and buy new outfits and some kuih Raya for my family,” she said when met at MITEC, the venue of the three-day ‘Absolut Bazaar X Festival Gaya Raya’, which ended yesterday.

She added that last-minute shopping also allowed her to enjoy much lower prices, helping her save money compared with making purchases earlier in Ramadan.

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She also said that newer designs were often released closer to the festive period, giving shoppers more choices.

“There are more options when we shop closer to Raya. I already bought two baju kurung, but I am looking for more tudung and other accessories. The prices vary from cheap to expensive, so you can choose according to your budget,” she said.

Echoing her view, AR Abdullah Shahdan, 61, said the latest Raya accessories are also usually showcased in the final days leading up to Hari Raya.

“Publika is surrounded by up-to-date fashion — the colours, choices and styles available here are quite different from the rest. It’s enjoyable shopping here even at the last minute because the vibe is different, especially when you come with family,” he said.

He added that shopping in person is more satisfying as customers can see and feel the quality of the fabrics and designs themselves, compared with buying online.

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Meanwhile, Nurul Salihah Salim, an employee at the Alia Anggun booth in Publika, said sales had been steadily increasing, with an average of more than 20 pieces of clothing sold daily.

“In the early days of fasting, sales were quite slow, below 10 pieces a day. But now, as more visitors begin shopping in preparation for returning to their hometowns for Raya, demand has surged,” she said.

The 22-year-old said most of their customers were young people aged between 20 and 40 from various ethnic backgrounds.

“Our baju kurung and kebaya remain the top choices because they retain traditional elements while being updated with modern designs. Even Chinese customers buy them because they find them attractive,” she said.

-- BERNAMA