To All; Another anecdote from Malaysia;
Today I met my wife for lunch. She had just come from a meeting at the national car maker, Proton, where company officials again downgraded their forecast to their suppliers. We went to the newest of the unbelievable list of upscale shopping malls. This particular one is Sunway Lagoon, a project on a scale that was really quite remarkable and included a resort, a huge theme park, and the shopping mall.
expecting crowds as it is just a few more days before Chinese New Year and hari Raya Adilfitri, and as it was right at the beginning ogf the lunch break, we were surprised to drive straight into the parking lot and find many spaces available for our choosing. We shopped in stores that seldom had more then one or two other shoppers. Everywhere many stores were empty. One floor devoted to restrauants was equally empty and waiters and proprietors stood outside there shops as if waiting for something to happen. We selected a restraunt after being pitched by the waiters and invited in. We were the only diners. Perhaps this can be explained because it is, after all, the fasting month and the noon time meal is not taken by the devout Muslims. But to see a restraunt that didnt have at least some Chinese and Indian diners was unusual. To see no one shopping just prior to the holiday gift giving time was even more noticeable.
In one shop my wife picked up some incense oils that we like to use in a burner instead of canned air fresheners. She looked at the price, sighed, and put the item back on the shelf. I asked her why and she simply said too expensive. I let it pass, but I know she knows that, in fact, our purchasing power has actually increased rather then diminished due to the nature of my business.
As they say, it is a sign of the times.
Best,
Stitch |
