KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 ― Malaysia’s retailers enjoyed a boost in business from October to December 2021 period as Malaysians did more shopping as tourists and for the festive celebrations for Christmas and Chinese New Year, but still contracted by 2.3 per cent for the entire year, a retail research firm said.
But after having recorded a -9.9 per cent decline in sales in the January to March 2021 period, a positive 3.4 per cent growth in the April to June 2021 period and a -27.8 per cent decline in the July to September 2021 period, the retail industry in Malaysia ultimately declined by 2.3 per cent in sales for the entire 2021.
In explaining the improved performance of Malaysia’s retailers’ business in October to December 2021, the report had listed the lifting of more restrictions that were put in place as precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. “Domestic tourism brought more sales to retailers that were dependent on tourism spending. It benefited retail outlets located in not just Klang Valley, but also Langkawi, Georgetown, Ipoh, Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Desaru Coast and Melaka,” the report said.
“Malaysians returned to physical stores in both commercial centres and shopping centres located throughout the country. By the last month of the year, shopping traffic returned in all major shopping malls located in Malaysia. Major shopping centres were packed with shoppers and diners,” the report said.