How China dominates Malaysia’s shopping behaviour on 11.11

The power of China’s economic market is staggering. The country manufactures more than 30% of the world’s stuff. That’s the total global production, with goods that reach the shores of every single country in the world.

In fact, most of the goods you can find in Malaysia come from China, no matter where you shop.

In 2018 alone, China imports into Malaysia were worth US$43.32 billion, 33% of which were electrical and electronic equipment.

Suffice to say, if you are shopping online, chances are that your item is from China.

So how did 11.11 become the largest online sale in the world?

11.11 started in 1993, when students of Nanjing University celebrated their singledom together. The number 1 resembles an individual (“single”) person each, which is why that date was chosen.

In 2009, Alibaba Group held the first ever Double Eleven Shopping Festival on their online shopping website TaoBao. Customer response was overwhelming.

Since then, they have increased the festivities each year, trademarked the term “Double Eleven”, and the rest is history.

What about Malaysia?

Malaysia is no different. Each year, 11.11 sales get bigger and crazier, with the sale being included in brick-and-mortar stores as well.

Last year, in 2018, Lazada broke 2017’s 11.11 sales record in just 9 hours.

It shows a significant change in how Malaysians have embraced online shopping, opting to make large-scale purchases online as well.

Would you have ever considered buying a car through Lazada before? Well, in 2018, there were 11 units of special edition Volkswagen Polo Black & White that were immediately sold out under a minute!

This year, Shopee took it one step further by introducing sales on 9.9 and 10.10 as well! (We can only assume they will have a sale on 12.12 too!)

What started out as a online shopping sale for single people is now a gigantic month-long advertising campaign involving brands, merchandise, and influencers.

Lazada, following in its parent company Alibaba’s footsteps, have decided to bring the 11.11 celebration to even greater heights this year.

This year, they will have a concert by kpop girl band Apink, a live game show, a slew of new international and local acts, and numerous unbeatable deals for the one-day sale.

The excitement for 11.11 is palpable. Many Malaysians are finding it difficult to avoid all the chatter and talk around the one-day behemoth of a sale.

Good morning everyone! Now repeat after me..

Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean I need it. Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean I need it. Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean I need it. Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean I need it.

— • (@zazerrss) November 1, 2019

No matter how you may want to save your money, 11.11 is here to slay (your wallet).

What will you buy on 11.11? Share the best deals you’ve snagged in previous years on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!