Hello Planet & Sasha all set with decorative products for Christmas and Chinese New Year. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
CHRISTMAS season has kicked off with a bang in Petaling Street.
This tourist hotspot, famed for its variety of goods sold by street vendors, has become the destination for shoppers seeking out gifts and Christmas decorations.
The beautifully decorated Christmas trees adorning the front of the outlets there catch the eye.
Step inside and you will find a treasure trove of Christmas offerings, from whimsical ornaments and wreaths to charming Santa figurines.
Gift shop worker Elaine arranging Christmas ornaments on the shelves.
Just opposite Entrance A of Pasar Seni MRT in Jalan Sultan is IDecor Home Sdn Bhd, which welcomes its customers with Christmas garlands adorned with golden bells and red baubles at the entrance.
Here, dazzling ornaments like lights and tinsel transform the space into a Christmas wonderland. There is also a variety of Christmas trees on display.
A short walk away is Nu Lycie Sdn Bhd, which is filled with Santa figurines, mistletoe and Christmas decorations.
According to the shop’s sales staff member, Lai, there is a noticeable preference this year for Christmas fir trees adorned with faux snow.
“The trend likely started when The Exchange TRX mall opened. It was decorated with Christmas fir trees covered in faux snow,” she said.
She further said that business had been booming since then, and they have now sold out the larger trees, with only the smaller ones remaining in stock.
“Despite the trend, we still have our regular customers who prefer the classic green trees with minimal decorations.
“They seem to like our Christmas tree adorned with pine cones and red berries,” she added.
One customer said her Christmas preparations were already complete, but she couldn’t resist buying a few more items as she liked the diverse offerings available at this shop.
Adah Ignatius, in contrast to the previous customer, said she had not started decorating her home for Christmas yet.
Ignatius and her family checking out decorations at a shop.
As she browsed the shop with her husband and son, she noted that the prices in Petaling Street were reasonable compared to other places.
“But if we compare to previous years, the prices are much higher this year.
“We are being mindful about our purchases,” said Ignatius.
As Chinese New Year is barely two months away, customers can also spot decorative items and lanterns for the festival in the shop.
Similarly, in Jalan Panggong, Hello Planet & Sasha gift shop is all set with festive decorations for both Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Charming figurines beckon at a shop.
The shop’s employee, who wanted to be known only as Elaine, said the popular colour choice for Christmas this year is rose gold.
“In the past, Christmas ornaments were limited to traditional colours like gold, green, silver and red.
“But for this season, we are seeing rapid sale of ornaments and baubles in rose gold,” she said.
As for Christmas trees, the shop still leans towards the classic green ones as they appear to be more appealing to customers.
The smallest Christmas trees in the shop, standing at 1.2m, are priced from RM299 to RM359, while the tallest ones at 2.4m are priced at RM1,119.
Shopper Darren Chow, excited to celebrate Christmas with his wife, expressed concerns over the rising prices this year.
Plenty of festive offerings at this outlet.
“I understand the tough economy, but the prices seem steeper nowadays.
“We checked out several shops and many have fixed prices.
“We hope to find budget- friendly Christmas decorations this year,” said Chow.
