by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK / pic credit: oxwhite.com

MALAYSIANS in the highest and lowest income brackets shop only for the things they need when they need them, adopting a sensible attitude when purchasing items, according to a survey.

Based on the study, e-commerce lifestyle brand Oxwhite founder CK Changr said more than half of Malaysians shop based on their needs.

“Ironically, the percentage of those who said they shop based on what they need are the highest among the two highest earning brackets and the lowest earning bracket,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The study reveals that needs-based shopping stands at 58%, followed by wish-list (24%), those who buy on impulse (12.5%) and trends (5.5%).

According to Changr, those who shop based on their needs have monthly incomes of above RM8,001 (68%); between RM5,001 and RM8,000 (68%); and below RM2,000 (62%).

“Wish lists, impulse buying and trends are more popular among those whose income brackets fall between the RM2,001 and RM5,000 category.

“This could be because this group of Malaysians are generally not tied with as many financial commitments as those who have reached the subsequent income brackets,” he said.

He added that Malaysians within the median category probably have more disposable income compared to that of the lower bracket after taking care of basic expenses, such as food, rent and transport.

“Malaysians are seen to be more careful with their shopping habits during the pandemic season, which could be due to the economic uncertainties brought about by the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

“We sought to fulfil our customers’ basic needs in our product development rather than creating novelty products to encourage impulse buying at a time when Malaysians are more prudent with their spending,” he said.

Changr added that since its initiation, the Oxwhite brand remained steadfast to bringing premium quality lifestyle products at affordable price points.

“This is aligned with Malaysians’ spending habits as found in the survey,” he said.

To celebrate its third birthday, Oxwhite is collaborating with brands including Baskin Robbins, Getha, Happy Fresh, Tanamera and Tealive to give away gifts worth over RM1 million together with the customers’ purchases.

Between June 1 and June 30, 2021, Oxwhite customers may stand to receive surprises in the form of vouchers to purchase RM3 Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, a grand prize Getha Compass Star King Mattress worth RM6,399 or vouchers from Happy Fresh worth a total of RM2,100.

Other rewards include Insta Prints from Photobook, 500 Tanamera hand sanitisers worth RM10,750 and 3,000 Tealive Eco Strawless Cups worth RM24,000, along with limited edition Tealive x Oxwhite tote bag when they check out on Oxwhite’s stores on Shopee or Lazada.