Cross-border e-commerce discovery of important festivals and business opportunities in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Russia
Malaysia: Business opportunities brought by Deepavali and National Day
Deepavali
Deepavali is an important festival for Hindus in Malaysia, also known as the “Festival of Lights”. This festival is usually celebrated in the seventh month of the Hindu calendar (October or January in the Gregorian calendar) and commemorates the victory of light over darkness. During Deepavali, Hindus go to temples to pray, and every household lights lights to symbolize light and hope. For cross-border e-commerce, there is strong demand for products such as fragrant flowers, garlands, oil lamps, sarees, Indian clothing, fashion jewelry and traditional artworks during Deepavali.
National Day
Malaysia’s National Day is held on August 31 every year to commemorate the declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957. During the National Day, people will use the national flag and related decorations to decorate their homes, so sales of national flags, festival gifts and other products increase.
Japan: Business opportunities brought by Adult Day and Menglan Bon Festival
Adult Day
Japan’s Coming of Age Day is celebrated on the second Monday of January each year to recognize the coming of age of young people who have reached the age of 20. On this day, young men and women will wear traditional clothing to participate in the coming-of-age ceremony, especially women’s “furisode” kimonos, which are in great demand in the market. In addition, on the eve of Adult Day, related photography services and dress rental business are also very popular.
Menlan Pen Festival
The Menglan Bon Festival is usually held on July 15th every year and is the second largest festival in Japan after the New Year. During the festival, there is an increased demand for offerings such as flowers, rows, candlesticks, and incense burners. In addition, the customs of carrying lanterns, “welcoming lanterns” and “giving lanterns” also make related products popular.
Thailand: Business opportunities brought by Songkran Festival and Loy Krathong Festival
Water Splashing Festival
Songkran Festival is an important traditional festival in Thailand, marking the beginning of the New Year. During the festival, people will buy new clothes, and sales of water guns, water basins and other water-splashing tools surge. In addition, there are also potential business opportunities in festival decorations, parade supplies, etc.
Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong is Thailand’s Valentine’s Day, usually celebrated on December 15th. On this day, people will make water lanterns and put them in the river, and light Kongming lanterns. Therefore, the demand for items such as incense candles, flowers, and colorful paper flags has increased. In addition, watches, clothing, bags and other gifts given to each other by couples have also become hot-selling commodities.
Russia: Business opportunities brought by Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women’s Day and Knowledge Day
Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland
Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, or “Men’s Day,” is celebrated on February 23 every year. On this day, women give gifts to men, and sales of men’s products such as perfumes and skin care products increase.
International Women’s Day
Russia’s International Women’s Day falls on March 8. On this day, flowers, perfumes, candies, clothing and other gifts are very popular. Flowers, in particular, are almost a must-have holiday gift.
Knowledge Day
Knowledge Day in Russia is on September 1st. Students will present flowers to their teachers on this day to express their respect. In addition, during the back-to-school season, school bags, stationery, clothing and other commodities are in high demand.
The festivals in the above four countries all bring unique business opportunities. Understanding the cultural connotations behind these festivals can help cross-border e-commerce companies better grasp market trends and formulate effective marketing strategies.