Image via Freepik
The past few weeks have been life-changing to say the least. What we now know as the new normal is something that we wouldn’t even have dreamed about when we welcomed the new decade just a few months ago.
As we continue to stay home as much as we can, introverts laugh while extroverts cry. But the one thing that has brought many of us together is our shopping habits.
In this climate, online shopping is basically the new norm. While it isn’t exactly something new for us—all those never-ending promo deals will be the bane of our existence—Covid-19 has changed the game in consumer habits.
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Not only are we now shopping more online, the pandemic has also changed what we’re buying.
People are now buying more essentials rather than luxury items, as well as products with a longer shelf life. Who knows how much longer this jangan ke sana, jangan ke sini would last, right?
In fact, a study by Commerce.Asia has revealed some pretty unusual things that Malaysians have been buying more during the Movement Control Order (MCO). Some of these might look familiar to you!
#1 Ladies underwear
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Surprisingly, women’s underwear topped the list with a whopping 909% sales growth! Since we weren’t stepping out of the house much and clothing stores weren’t allowed to operate, the ladies made sure to stock up on the one thing they couldn’t afford to run out of.
#2 Latex gloves
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Well, this is pretty much self-explanatory. Health, cleanliness and hygiene are on the top off everyone’s minds these days, so all kinds of protection are necessary!
You must have seen some people with gloves even while buying groceries at the supermarket. This is why latex gloves saw an 888% spike in sales in the last few weeks.
#3 Frying pans and woks
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As seen on everyone’s social media feed, most of us have resorted to cooking more at home lately. Those who normally eat out would have stocked up on more kitchen utensils by now, experimenting with new dishes either for the family or for themselves.
The sales for this grew by 880%, so we hope you finally know how to make fried rice and telur mata kerbau by now!
#4 Babies blanket
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Being cooped up at home with babies and toddlers is challenging, especially for those who still have to work from home. Young parents are doing the best they can to make their kids feel as comfortable and occupied as possible. Looks like forcing them to sleep is one of the tricks!
#5 Salt
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When the MCO first started, we were worried about running out of bread and toilet paper. Now, salt must be the one ingredient that most Malaysians can’t live without because people are contributing to a 250% sales growth for this! Or maybe we’re all just trying to be Salt Bae.
#6 Fitness equipment
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With gyms closed, fitness enthusiasts had to resort to home workouts with minimal equipment to stay fit. And for those who haven’t been working out, we now probably have more time to finally sweat it out!
This has probably contributed to the surge in home fitness equipment purchase online (and the many, many live workout videos on Instagram).
#7 Carpets
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Ahh… home makeovers. Another item to check off our to-do list in 2020. Since we can’t spontaneously head to our favourite furniture stores to shop for household stuff, Malaysians have been purchasing more house carpets online.
These are just some of the unusual items Malaysians have been spending on online throughout the MCO. Did you fall victim to any of the above?
Now that movement restrictions are slowly lifting, a number of retail outlets we normally frequent are finally allowed to open their doors, including this wholesale mall.
If you need to step outside for a breather, head over to GM Klang for a quick round of shopping! In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan and upcoming Hari Raya festivities, the mall is running a ‘Beli Sambil Derma’ (‘Shop And Donate’) campaign for you to shop for a good cause!
From now till 23 May, customers with a minimum spend of RM100 at any GM Klang outlet can purchase a special product for only RM2. And for every RM2, the management will contribute an additional RM3, bringing the total to RM5.
All proceeds from this special product purchase will then be channelled to charity organisations.
Here’s how it works:
- Spend at least RM100 on a single receipt at any GM Klang outlet.
- Each receipt must be validated at the Customer Service Counter located at Level 1 on the same day.
- Pay via cash or bank transfer to the bank account provided and send your proof of transaction to the Customer Service via WhatsApp.
- Redeem your special product.
However, we understand that there are many who still prefer to continue social distancing and avoid crowds. So for those who want to stay home, you can also shop at GM Klang from the comfort of your home!
GM Klang will be promoting Raya items on offer through live sessions on social media featuring popular local celebrities and influencers, including Fiza Frizzy, Nisa Kay, Elly Arifin, Muaz, and Fahrin Ahmad.
Yup! These guys will be your hosts as they bring you a closer look at the products being offered from now until 21 May.
Although this Raya will be celebrated differently, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have the festive spirit at home. So stay tuned to GM Klang’s Facebook and Instagram for all your Raya needs!
For more updates, visit here.