KUCHING: Growing demand for condominium living and short-term rental investments is shaping how consumers shop for home essentials, with vendors at the HOMELove Home and Living Expo reporting a shift towards more practical and space-conscious choices.
At Cozy Furniture Enterprise, mattresses continue to draw strong interest, particularly among younger buyers setting up new homes or entering the Airbnb and homestay market.
“Many young buyers are involved in Airbnb or homestay setups, so they tend to invest more in mattresses,” said Alex Kho, the person in charge of the Cozy Furniture booth.
He added that while larger homes typically accommodate king-sized beds, the rise of condominium living has made queen-sized mattresses the more popular choice due to limited space.
With mattresses generally replaced every 10 to 15 years, they remain a necessity rather than a luxury purchase.
A similar shift towards practicality can be seen in interior design preferences, where homeowners are opting for simpler, more functional layouts.
At Mr Bagus Interior Solutions, clients are increasingly leaning towards minimalist concepts and complete home packages that offer both convenience and value.
“With more condominiums coming up, a lot of clients are looking for whole-house packages that are straightforward and more economical,” said sales manager, JS Lee.
She added that many buyers now prefer to visualise their spaces before committing, with design services becoming a key part of the decision-making process.
This preference for functionality extends to household appliances as well. Vendors reported steady demand for essential items such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, with customers placing greater emphasis on quality and value for money rather than brand alone.
“Customers now prioritise quality and value for money,” Allan from Kok Siong Electrical said.
In the kitchen segment, products such as kitchen hoods have also gained traction, reflecting a growing focus on practical home upgrades.
“Kitchen hoods are among the most popular items right now,” said Boniek, from ML Home Mart, adding that vouchers and free gifts offered during the expo have attracted buyers.
While the first day saw a moderate turnout, vendors remain optimistic that visitor numbers will increase over the weekend, driven by the public holiday period.
The HOMELove Home and Living Expo is having a four-day Easter Sale from April 2 to April 5 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
