Gifting in a pandemic: What have Singaporeans bought for Christmas this year?

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Gifting in a pandemic: What have Singaporeans bought for Christmas this year?

In light of pandemic times, Singaporeans are rethinking their Christmas purchases. This yr, shoppers chose to gift loved ones with homeware, timeless handbags, and gifts that give dorsum, e-commerce sites told CNA Luxury.

25 December 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 10 November 2022 09:40AM)

The coronavirus pandemic has altered many aspects of our lives, from the way nosotros work, to the style we live and the style we socialise.

This festive flavor, the pandemic has as well changed the fashion we shopped for Christmas gifts, according to several e-commerce sites that CNA Luxury spoke to.

"Now more than ever, our customers are searching for items that create a positive space at dwelling and we accept seen an increased appetite for home decor and interior items this vacation season," shared Libby Folio, Senior Fashion Marketplace Editor of Net-a-Porter.

"For Singapore customers, there'due south been a consistent interest in purchasing candles as Christmas gifts. This year, more than ever before, individuals are committed to making their homes a pleasure zone, and home fragrances from the likes of Diptyque, Cire Trudon and Fornasetti, offer a failsafe choice and promise to drag any space," Page added.

Fornasetti scented candle. (Photo: Net-a-Porter/Art: Jasper Loh) "Now more than than always, our customers are searching for items that create a positive space at habitation and nosotros have seen an increased ambition for dwelling decor and interior items this holiday season." – Libby Page While Farfetch declined to provide statistics on the Singapore marketplace, the company shared that in general, homeware items have also been popular on its platform. Loungewear has likewise seen an uptick in sales.

"This year has seen our shopping habits change in many ways – reflecting the new ways of living that we accept adapted to effectually the world. Nosotros have collectively directed our spend towards things like homewares and loungewear more than ever before, speaking to the increased value nosotros are placing on creating beautiful and comforting environments in the places that we are spending most of our time," said Celenie Seidel, Senior Womenswear Editor.

Charlotte Cain, founder of Bazaar Fairs Singapore, echoed like sentiments. "We take a wide range of products from style and accessories to food and beverage and more than, simply over the last few weeks leading up to the festive season, our highest sellers have been from the dwelling house goods category followed by health. In this unusual year where travel is off the tabular array and holidays look a bit different for many people, it seems that people are seeking products that bring comfort and ensure wellbeing."

Bazaar Fairs is a twice yearly shopping result held at the F1 Pit Edifice. This year, the company launched e-commerce site eBoutiques equally a complement to its in-person events.

The site also noted an interest in charitable gifts. "Our highest seller at the moment from a brand standpoint is Riau Candle Co, a social impact projection creating meaningful employment for marginalised women," shared Cain. For every candle purchased, Riau Candle Co gives 100 per cent of profits to charity.

Riau Candle Co is a social impact project that gives 100 per cent of profits to charity. (Photo: Riau Candle Co/Art: Jasper Loh)

In addition, Cain shared that there has been an increment in shoppers buying from local brands. "We have always seen great interest in shopping local and supporting local brands, but I would say this is even stronger in 2022 with the want to support local designers and stimulate Singapore's economic system in whatever way we can."

With the pandemic highlighting the importance of sustainability, more people are also shopping for pre-owned items for their loved ones.

"There is a strong growing trend for preloved items in Singapore with an uplift of orders past 164 per cent in November 2022 compared to the aforementioned period final year," said a spokesperson from pre-owned manner site Vestiaire Collective.

"The rise of sustainability and the impact of the current crisis has also challenged society at large to reconsider its values and behaviour, influencing the states to rethink the fashion we apply our wardrobes and redefine the way we consume style."

While luxury handbags remain a top seller amongst buyers this season, the visitor has seen a fasten in sales in November for accessories such as small leather appurtenances, belts and more than (past 22.5 per cent), followed by jewellery (by 12.5 per cent), citing Gucci, Chanel and Dior as top brands.

Gucci belt. (Photo: Vestiaire Collective/Fine art: Jasper Loh)

However, buyers are leaning more towards classic and timeless pieces this twelvemonth, Vestiaire Collective added. Data from Net-a-Porter and Farfetch too support this tendency. "We witnessed a surge in interest of luxury handbags such every bit Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Saint Laurent; nosotros now see customers opting for 'forever bag' investments for their loved ones in the current climate," said Page.

Bottega Veneta Cassette Purse. (Photograph: Internet-a-Porter/Art: Jasper Loh)

"People are thinking more consciously about the longevity of their purchases," said Seidel. "For the festive season, favour towards investment pieces such as fine jewellery and watches, pre-owned collectable items, such as the Hermes Birkin bag, and conscious, sustainable items volition keep."

"For the festive season, favour towards investment pieces such as fine jewellery and watches, pre-owned collectable items, such as the Hermes Birkin purse, and conscious, sustainable items will continue." – Celenie Seidel

Gifting in a pandemic: What have Singaporeans bought for Christmas this year?

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