As Christmas and Chinese New Year approach, Singaporeans are crossing the border to Johor Bahru (JB) in search of festive deals.
Despite the Singapore dollar’s weakening exchange rate against the Malaysian ringgit, this hasn’t dampened shoppers’ enthusiasm.
According to Oriental Daily, the businesses around Johor Bahru report a significant 30% boost in sales this month.
Over the weekends and holidays, Singaporeans have been flooding JB’s shopping malls, eager to celebrate the festivities while saving money.
Sales rose by 20% to 30%
A watch retailer in a JB mall revealed to 8world News that a Singaporean customer recently purchased 25 watches as employee gifts after comparing prices.
Similarly, a clothing store owner shared that nearly half of their customers are Singaporeans, with each spending an average of over RM300.
Retail and marketing manager Wong Ting Ting (transliteration) said their sales had been sluggish in recent months but rose by 20% to 30% in December as customers began shopping for Christmas and Chinese New Year.
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With Chinese New Year arriving in late January next year, some Singaporeans have already begun buying supplies across the border.
Even though the ringgit has strengthened by 6% this year to 1 SGD = 3.29 MYR, Singaporeans continue to find JB shopping more affordable.
Yong Zhu Wan (transliteration), general manager of a JB grocery store, noted that the currency still offers savings for Singaporeans.
JB merchants observed that Singaporean customers are currently most interested in buying gifts and groceries.
