As the recent Alibaba’s Taobao 6.18 Mid-Year Shopping Festival ended, it shows a new trends among Malaysian shoppers, driven by pent-up demand due to the pandemic, which will likely continue to present stimulating opportunities for brands and merchants.
So let’s find out what Malaysian shopper are up to during the recent 6.18 Mid-Year Shopping Festival.
· Based on purchases made on Taobao, which provides a platform for Malaysians to shop for overseas products, more Malaysians are focusing on health and wellness with a greater emphasis on outdoor activities and going back to the nature after having been cooped up indoors over the last two years.
· The diving, swimwear and camping categories saw a sales surge of more than 800% year-on-year. Some related products that have gained traction include bags for outdoor use, dash cams and car wash supplies.
· For Malaysians, though, being outdoors clearly does not mean forgoing looking good, as purchases of fashionable sun protection clothing jumped by more than 500% during the shopping festival.
· Now that travelling is allowed, capturing those precious moments and memories must not be missed as evidenced by the more than 500% increase in sales of digital SLR cameras, compared to the year before. The GoPro MAX panoramic action camera has emerged as a favourite for campers.
· Love is in the air and many enamoured Malaysians are finally able to ceremoniously commemorate their marriage as wedding-related decorative items exceeded 1,000% in year-on-year sales growth, while sales of wedding dresses and evening gowns grew by 300% year-on-year.
· Malaysia women were also stocking up on the latest footwear fashion, with sales in the women’s shoes category increasing by 70% year-on-year.
· In terms of popular brands, Xiaomi continues to be a preferred choice by most Malaysians for its range of visually appealing and practical digital gadgets, such as mobile DVRs and small home appliances.
Global health and wellness trend a boon to export growth for Malaysian brands
· The global trend towards healthy living, especially amongst the young and affluent, presents tremendous export and sale growth opportunities for quality Malaysian-made health and wellness products as evidenced during this 618.
· With its first participation in the 6.18 Festival, homegrown healthy snack brand Amazin’ Graze saw a sales jump of close to 340% on Tmall Global (Alibaba’s cross-border platform for Malaysian brands to reach Chinese consumers) as compared to its 11.11 campaign last year! Some of their best-selling products include Granola, Nut Mixes and Brownie Chips.