Traders report slower sales as shoppers browse more than they buy, with bargain hunters turning to digital platforms over on-site puchases

PETALING JAYA: Aidilfitri bazaars may still be drawing crowds, but traders say the real competition this year is not the stall next door – it is e-commerce platforms, where cheaper deals are proving more tempting than buying on-site.

Checks by theSun at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, a well-known hub for Raya shopping, revealed that traders are facing slower-than-usual sales despite consistent crowds, as many visitors choose to browse rather than buy.

A songket trader who wants to be known as Tina, said business has yet to pick up momentum, describing sales this year as “very slow” compared with previous years, particularly the period following the movement control order (MCO) when demand surged after prolonged restrictions.

“Even after the MCO was lifted, sales were much better then because people had not celebrated Raya for two to three years, so demand was strong.

“We couldn’t even keep up with customers. There was no time to rest. But this year, people come, look around and leave without buying.”

Tina attributed the slow start partly to the delayed opening of bazaars, which only began about a week into Ramadan, affecting early sales momentum.

“Usually, we would already be busy from the start, but this time it was quiet in the beginning. Only recently have we started to see some visitors coming in,” she added.

She also said changing consumer behaviour, driven largely by online platforms such as TikTok, has significantly affected sales.

“Customers now prioritise price over quality. As long as it’s cheap, they will buy it online. It’s hard for us because what we offer in-store is different in terms of quality.”

A first-time bazaar trader selling songkok, Muhammad Fauzi Marjohan said visitor turnout has been modest, with foot traffic largely concentrated during weekends and at night.

He added that while daytime visitors are mostly tourists, sales tend to improve in the evenings when more locals visit the bazaar.

Sales are manageable for now, with an average of between 50 and 100 songkok sold per day, though demand is not particularly strong.

“Even if we want to push sales, if there are no customers, there’s only so much we can do,” he added.

Muhammad Fauzi, who focuses solely on songkok, said the product’s sizing requirements make it less compatible with online sales, giving physical traders like him a slight advantage as customers prefer to try them on in person.

Meanwhile, Luqman Nurhakim, a long-time vendor selling festive food items said sales this year have remained stable, with demand gradually improving as Hari Raya approaches.

Having operated at the same location for nearly a decade, he said the kuih raya, crackers and nuts sold at his stall are essential items for the festive celebration.

“Alhamdulillah, so far it is okay. As Raya gets closer, we can see more visitors coming in,” he said, adding that the larger stall allocation provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall this year has made it more comfortable for vendors and customers alike.

However, he acknowledged that sales patterns for kuih raya are generally predictable, as demand typically peaks closer to Hari Raya.

“For kuih raya, we already understand the trend. Customers usually buy at the last minute,” he said, adding that some customers may also be waiting for their salaries before making purchases.

Despite the overall positive outlook for food items, Luqman acknowledged challenges such as unpredictable weather and increased competition, as more vendors are offering similar products this year.

According to him, there are around 10 stalls selling similar festive cookies and snacks in the area, but he emphasised that healthy competition remains important for traders.

“Our daily sales can reach up to around 100 jars as Raya draws nearer, with overall sales expected to increase in the final days before the celebration.”

Despite slower-than-expected sales, traders remain hopeful that the festive spirit will translate into stronger purchases as Aidilfitri approaches when last-minute shopping traditionally drives higher spending.

 The Sun Malaysia