Shopping smart with the pandemic
Published on 26 Feb, Junaid Ahmed
The world was already on the cusp of global digitalization when the pandemic hit in 2020. The complete standstill of social and commercial activities all over the world had a drastic effect on peoples’ spending behaviour.
It forced us to reevaluate and change the way we live. Budgeting became the highest priority and shopping as we knew it became a thing of the past. Malaysian people were no different. Thriving night markets, street malls, and mall outings became scarce.
Especially during MCO, shopping became a necessity rather than an enjoyable activity to unwind or relax. People had to reevaluate their subscriptions and recurring charges and take stock of their emergency funds.
The new norm is now the smart way to shop. The spending behavior of the average Malaysian has changed dramatically to adapt to the evolved shopping environment. As an average consumer, how do you navigate digital shopping? It’s especially important with increased reduced incomes and loss of jobs in the past year.
Some of the ways you can shop smarter in the pandemic are:
1. Embrace online shopping
Malaysians love to shop, be it at the night markets or malls. But the onset of the pandemic has brought lockdowns, time restrictions, and social distancing.
Online shopping has become easier than before with digital trying rooms, contactless delivery, and great deals. Once you step into the digitized world of online shopping, you will not want to go back to the physical browsing done before the pandemic.
This shows us the incredible opportunity that digitalisation has to further expand in Malaysia. With that space for growth, the BNPL wave stands to grow in tandem as well.
2. Beware of sneaky business tactics
Despite the surge of patriotic support during MCO, especially with the campaign of #kitajagakita, a minority of retailers, vendors, and businessmen have adopted unfair business practices of price gouging to take advantage of the customers.
Be wary of such sellers and report them to the governing authorities.
3. Monitor recurring charges
With the rapid move in digitalization due to the pandemic, it's easy to rack up small recurring charges.
This makes budgeting crucial.
Furthermore, auto-renewal of subscriptions and monthly instalments put a drain on your total income. You must make difficult, but smart decisions by cutting your losses now to fare better in the long term.
A smart consumer
Equipped with these tips to become a smart shopper in this new age, you are bound to make the most out of your budget. You can even play a part in the nation’s recovery to COVID-19. How?
Support local and shop home-grown Malaysian brands! Small local businesses have largely suffered from the pandemic and the resulting MCO periods.
Shopping smart with the pandemic
Published on 26 Feb, Junaid Ahmed
The world was already on the cusp of global digitalization when the pandemic hit in 2020. The complete standstill of social and commercial activities all over the world had a drastic effect on peoples’ spending behaviour.
It forced us to reevaluate and change the way we live. Budgeting became the highest priority and shopping as we knew it became a thing of the past. Malaysian people were no different. Thriving night markets, street malls, and mall outings became scarce.
Especially during MCO, shopping became a necessity rather than an enjoyable activity to unwind or relax. People had to reevaluate their subscriptions and recurring charges and take stock of their emergency funds.
The new norm is now the smart way to shop. The spending behavior of the average Malaysian has changed dramatically to adapt to the evolved shopping environment. As an average consumer, how do you navigate digital shopping? It’s especially important with increased reduced incomes and loss of jobs in the past year.
Some of the ways you can shop smarter in the pandemic are:
1. Embrace online shopping
Malaysians love to shop, be it at the night markets or malls. But the onset of the pandemic has brought lockdowns, time restrictions, and social distancing.
Online shopping has become easier than before with digital trying rooms, contactless delivery, and great deals. Once you step into the digitized world of online shopping, you will not want to go back to the physical browsing done before the pandemic.
This shows us the incredible opportunity that digitalisation has to further expand in Malaysia. With that space for growth, the BNPL wave stands to grow in tandem as well.
2. Beware of sneaky business tactics
Despite the surge of patriotic support during MCO, especially with the campaign of #kitajagakita, a minority of retailers, vendors, and businessmen have adopted unfair business practices of price gouging to take advantage of the customers.
Be wary of such sellers and report them to the governing authorities.
3. Monitor recurring charges
With the rapid move in digitalization due to the pandemic, it's easy to rack up small recurring charges.
This makes budgeting crucial.
Furthermore, auto-renewal of subscriptions and monthly instalments put a drain on your total income. You must make difficult, but smart decisions by cutting your losses now to fare better in the long term.
A smart consumer
Equipped with these tips to become a smart shopper in this new age, you are bound to make the most out of your budget. You can even play a part in the nation’s recovery to COVID-19. How?
Support local and shop home-grown Malaysian brands! Small local businesses have largely suffered from the pandemic and the resulting MCO periods.
