Anything but bargains at mega sales

As published in The NST, July 29:

I AM a foreigner visiting Kuala Lumpur with my family.

Travelling and visiting places means nothing if shopping is not part of the whole package.

Upon my arrival in this beautiful city, I was overjoyed to learn that a mega sale in all major shopping centres was about to begin. I thus spent pre-mega sale days windowshopping and inquiring about the prices of items I intended to buy. When the sale started, I was in for a shock. For example, at a well-known department store, a pair of girl's trousers which was being sold at RM63 during the pre-sale days jumped to RM83, honest to God. When it was priced at RM63, I had wanted to buy it but then the sales lady had advised me to wait for the mega sale. When I contacted a sales lady there and narrated my experience to her, she just smiled and walked away.

I also noticed that a boy's shirt which was on sale had two price tags on it. The yellow one showed the pre-sale price while the other showed the reduced price. To my utter bewilderment the old price label was overlapping the new price label. You can imagine what that meant.

At another shop, I had chosen a pair of shoes for my daughter. It was priced at RM52. Foolishly I waited for the sale. During the sale, I went to the same shop and theprice for the same pair had risen to RM64 with a discount of 10 per cent. How generous of them!

At another leading store, I bought a pair of trousers for RM20. During the sale, I visited the store again. That pair was still RM20 though the rack on which it was placed said "70 per cent discount''. I wonder what is the meaning of mega-sales in Malaysia?

I am really disappointed. Can someone imagine what kind of impression I shall be taking back to my country?

LUQMAN ALBUQRAQUE
Kuala Lumpur

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So, what’s so great about Mega Sales?? Mega Sales are held 3 times a year in Malaysia and shopping is good value. Is this the buying trap? Sales gimmicks? This has been going on forever. Everyone knows about it but they still fall for it. Nobody is forcing you to buy anything.. Go look, see and if you think it is good then buy. Pre-shopping is advisable. Be wise, be prudent while shopping.. Check and compare prices before you intend to purchase anything.. don't buy if it's not worth the value. Emphasize on quality!!

Going to sales is like going to a reject shop. Great discount items are mostly outdated or soiled, low quality or rejects. You don't get much discount on normal items. So what is the point of going to these sales where you will likely end up buying what you don't need. For me, if I want to buy anything, I'll do my survey and if it's worth, I'll buy. No need to wait for Mega Sales.. Just love shopping..