Family fun: Ooi (right) with his wife Agnes Tan and son Casper Ooi checking out the various Chinese New Year decorations including the popular paper Dragon at a shop in George Town, Penang. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: A colourful paper dragon propped on two wooden sticks makes for a fun time and an even better decorative piece for this Chinese New Year.
Measuring 60cm-long, Son Jia Yi said the foldable paper dragons were a hit with adults and children alike as the Year of the Dragon is considered auspicious for the Chinese community.
“It can be placed in flower pots to spruce up one’s house for the celebration and makes for a great festive toy for children as well.
“We have a larger version, which is around 1m long.
“It is not as popular as the small one because it is pricier but at least two are sold every day,” she said in an interview.
Son, 35, said this year was special when it comes to decorations.
“It is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese astrology cycle and people love dragon-themed festive decorations.
“More than any other year, the Year of the Dragon is popular as people find it extra auspicious and like the dragon designs,” she said.
Son, who has been in the business for more than 15 years, said some decorative pieces like the plastic cut-out red dragon usually hung at the entrances were already sold out.
“We have placed more orders and will only get new stock next week.
“The dragon hoodie hat seems to be more popular with adults.
“Initially, we thought it would be a hit with children but many adults bought it as it is probably nice for pictures,” she said.
“Even our dragon-themed angpows are popular. This is our third time restocking it.
“Despite the embossed baby dragon red packets being on the pricier side (RM7.90 for a pack of six), customers do not seem to mind. We have red packets with ‘gold coins’ featuring a dragon as well, which is popular.
“Even the red packets with prosperous wordings is a hit,” she added.
Son said other equally popular items include stickers placed on fruits and at the home entrance, as well as lanterns and scrolls placed on the wall.
“These are considered essentials when it comes to decorating a house for the festive season.
“This year, business has been good with many customers.
“There is festive cheer and shows that everyone wants to celebrate post Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Ooi Chun Ping, 33, who was at the store with his wife and son, were surprised by the different types of decorations available.
“The designs are creative and we bought a few items.
“The paper dragon was interesting. We bought one for our son,” said Ooi, who works in social media marketing.
Ooi said he would probably buy more decorations closer to the celebration.
