Turning red: Khor (in black), checking the sizes of snake themed t-shirts for her children during last minute Chinese New Year shopping in Prangin Mall, George Town, Penang. — K.T. GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: With the Year of the Snake slithering in tomorrow, last-minute shoppers are rushing to malls to get some new clothes for Chinese New Year.
Vanessa Khor, 38, drove her family from Tanjung Bungah to George Town to buy T-shirts for her parents and two kids.
“We bought some clothes but realised we needed to buy more as we have to wear new clothes on the first two days of CNY.
“While we are not looking for themed T-shirts, the ones with the cute snake stand out.
“We want something comfortable as we usually stay at home during CNY.
“I am looking for something red or pastel.
“Any colour is okay as long as it is not black. Black clothes are not considered auspicious,” she said when met at Prangin Mall yesterday.
Khor said she was hoping to finish her last-minute shopping in time for the holiday.
“We did not have much time earlier and needed to get some clothes and shoes.
“I would normally do this earlier but lost track of time.
“We only have today (yesterday) to shop as we need to prepare for our reunion dinner,” she said.
Housewife Loo Sue Zhen, 33, was seen helping her 14-year-old daughter Juwellyn Loo choose the latest tops.
“Our budget is RM500 each. We did not have time earlier and now need to get stuff for the first three days of the celebration,” she said.
Loo said they were looking for tops that are red or white.
“We want something fashionable and comfortable.
“Colours are good but we will avoid black clothes. It is always auspicious to wear bright colours during the festive season,” she said.
Janice Lee, who runs one of the boutiques at a mall here, said people are gravitating towards red and light-coloured outfits.
“Some like T-shirts with cute-looking snakes on them.
“It is all about what is trendy, like baggy pants or long skirts and fitted tops for the ladies.
“Nice quality T-shirts are also in demand as they are comfortable,” she said.
Lee said this year many are doing last-minute shopping probably to ensure they have enough new clothes for the first few days of Chinese New Year.
