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SINGAPORE : Sales of hampers and goodies appear to be roaring back this year in the lead up to the Lunar Year of the Tiger.
Amid stronger signs of a economic recovery, retailers said consumers have been placing their orders earlier and making more expensive purchases.
And some retailers are expecting to see 15 per cent more revenue compared to last year.
Hampers are flying off the shelf faster this year than in 2009.
For gift companies like Noel, Lunar New Year sales make up a significant portion of their business for the year. And going by what they have seen so far, the festive cheer is translating into better sales.
Noel is expecting turnover during the Lunar New Year period to be some 15 per cent higher.
Winnie Tan, GM, Noel Gifts International, said: "This year, the orders have come in earlier, I think because of increased business confidence among our corporate clients.
"We are also seeing advance orders coming from customers who did not place them last year. They have also been spending more on each hamper. Two out of every 10 customers are spending about 10 per cent more on hampers than last year."
To cope with the increase in business, Noel has temporarily increased its premises for packing and storage by 15 per cent. It has also hired 100 more workers to cope with the demand.
This year, it is also offering a service where hampers will be delivered with customary greetings by a couple in traditional Chinese attire.
Meanwhile, those selling Lunar New Year goodies have also been busy rolling in the dough.
Family-owned LC Pastry is expecting to see a 10 to 15 per cent pick-up in sales for the festive period - without the need for promotions. The shopowners have also been getting their relatives and friends to help.
Betty Leong, co-owner, LC Pastry, said: "We are quite traditional, we do not put out any advertisements. Our business is entirely driven by word of mouth.
"A lot of customers like our products, we tell them that they need to pre-order three to six months in advance, because (for) goods made by hand, you need to pre-order, you can't just get it on demand. So sometimes, we have to turn them away."
According to many shops, business is still going strong this week with no signs of letting up, suggesting an auspicious start to the Lunar New Year. - CNA/ms
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