Despite the recession, many people are still in the mood for
giving this Christmas.
Gift shops here are reporting only between 10 and 15 per cent
drop in sales, with at least one retailer having sold out all it's
Christmas trees.
Lin Jiamei reports.
It's the season of giving, never mind the recession.
At Far East Flora, it's over 3,000 Christmas trees were sold out
more than a week ago.
The company actually brought in more trees than it did in
previous years.
Ryan Chioh Managing Director of Far East Flora.
"We actually checked with our overseas supplier who are from
America and Europe. They also reported that they actually sold more
Christmas trees. They are saying that families are travelling
lesser due to the financial crisis so they are spending more time
in their home countries and they want to celebrate tradition."
The florist reported only a 10 to 15 per cent dip in sales which
the shop says is ' within expectations '.
It's a similar trend over at Noel Gifts International.
Winnie Tan, General Manager of Noel Gifts International says
they have sold about 80 per cent of their high-end hampers.
"People are not going for cheaper products we can see that the
corporate givers are still giving but instead of giving to several
recipients to one company, they may not give to only the key
person, so our higher value hampers are still selling fast. "
However with the Lunar New Year and Christmas being only few
weeks apart, retailers are concerned if this same spirit of giving
would be carried over to the next holiday.
Both Far East Flora and Noel Gifts say they have already seen
customers choosing to combine the gifts for both festive
occasions.