With its considerable Muslim population, Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri are among the most significant celebrations in Malaysia. According to Market Interactive, 84% of Malaysian consumers tend to increase their spending during these festive periods, especially on gifts and food. Furthermore, the ‘balik kampung’ tradition of returning to their hometowns amplifies economic activity and travel spending.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these festivities present a golden opportunity to boost sales and strengthen customer relationships. By devising effective business, marketing, and customer engagement strategies ahead of time, SMEs can capitalise on the festive surge in demand. Keep reading to find out how you can prepare ahead!
Localised Business Strategies Worth Trying for Ramadan & Hari Raya 2025
To boost sales during Ramadan 2025, you can try these business strategies:
1. Participate in Ramadan bazaars
Ramadan bazaars are a staple of Malaysian culture, offering a vibrant marketplace for food, clothing, and festive decorations. SMEs can tap into this tradition by setting up pop-up stores at these bazaars. This participation increases visibility and allows businesses to engage directly with customers.
For example, food vendors can offer traditional Ramadan delicacies like rendang and kuih, or you can also provide a modern twist such as matcha-flavored Ramadan sweets. On the other hand, retailers can showcase festive-themed clothing and home decor.
2. Time your sales campaign around peak time
Consumer activity peaks during specific times during Ramadan, particularly around buka puasa (breaking fast) and post-iftar. Businesses, especially those in the food and beverage industry, should strategically align their sales campaigns with these periods. For instance, restaurants can offer special Iftar menus or exclusive discounts during these hours to attract customers.
3. Provide balik kampung essentials
Balik kampung is a cherished tradition during Hari Raya, and SMEs can capitalise on this by offering travel-friendly products. What are some of the most common examples? You can create hampers filled with snacks, drinks, essential medications, and/or travel-sized personal hygiene products. Retailers can also bundle items like car accessories, portable chargers, and travel pillows to appeal to customers preparing for long journeys.
Focus on Digital Marketing for Hari Raya Sale
Commission Interactive has found that almost 3 in 10 Malaysians use the internet to shop and look for deals. Therefore, marketing your business digitally during Hari Raya is advisable. You can try these methods for starters:
1. Promote your business on online marketplaces
With the rise of e-commerce, online marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada have become essential platforms for SMEs in Malaysia. Listing your products on these marketplaces will ensure customers can easily find your offerings.
To differentiate your brand from competitors, you can offer an exclusive bundle or a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promo if customers make purchases through your e-commerce store. Additionally, to attract more customers, take advantage of marketplace promotions, such as free shipping, cashback, or discounts.
2. Run a festive campaign with the right hashtag
Along with e-commerce marketplaces, social media plays a crucial role during Ramadan and Hari Raya because most Malaysians use social media to discover brands and product recommendations. Therefore, SMEs can create festive campaigns using relevant hashtags like #BazaarRamadan2025 and #HariRayaSale. For another example, a bakery could share photos of its Ramadan-themed cakes with the hashtag #SweetRaya2025. These hashtags increase discoverability and help build a sense of community around the brand.
3. Boost engagement with live shopping streams and flash sales
Live shopping streams have gained popularity in recent years since they allow businesses to interact with customers in real time, especially to showcase detailed product features. As a result, this interactive approach can curb customer’s doubts about purchasing something online and net more sales.
SMEs can host live sessions to demonstrate how a product works, answer questions and offer exclusive discounts. You can also complement this strategy with flash sales for popular products, particularly during peak shopping times. Holding time-limited sales creates a sense of urgency and scarcity, which is essential to drive profit.
How to Enhance Customer Experience during Hari Raya 2025 Malaysia
A strong sales and marketing strategy is only effective when paired with exceptional customer service, which encourages customer loyalty and repeat purchases. So, how can you provide a positive customer experience during Hari Raya 2025?
1. Offer personalised greetings
As highlighted by Demand Sage, personalisation is key to building customer loyalty. One of the most straightforward things you can do is send customised greetings to customers, such as “Selamat Hari Raya, [Customer Name]! Thank you for your support this year. Enjoy 10% off your next purchase with us.”
Alternatively, you can try a simpler one like “Wishing you and your family a joyous Hari Raya, from all of us at [Your Brand]” after recommending deals on products relevant to a customer’s preferences and purchase history. This small gesture can make customers feel valued and appreciated.
2. Ensure reliable and fast delivery before balik kampung
Timely delivery is crucial, especially when customers are preparing to travel. SMEs should partner with dependable logistics providers to guarantee that purchases reach customers promptly before they balik kampung. Offering express delivery options can also cater to last-minute shoppers.
3. Provide flexible payment options
By accommodating diverse payment preferences, SMEs can enhance customer convenience and attract more buyers. For instance, aside from accepting cash, you can also consider supporting e-wallets like Grab Wallet, online bank transfers, Buy Now Pay Later, and instalment plans.
Examples of Successful Ramadan Sale and Storytelling Campaigns
Do you need some pointers to start creating a festive Ramadan marketing campaign? These successful stories will inspire you:
1. Carro: Who Is Siti?
Carro’s “Who Is Siti?” campaign used storytelling to highlight the importance of family and tradition during Hari Raya. The campaign resonated with audiences by focusing on relatable themes, such as the joy of reuniting with loved ones. This emotional connection helped Carro stand out in a competitive market.
2. CelcomDigi: Bukalah Hati
CelcomDigi’s “Bukalah Hati” campaign encouraged Malaysians to embrace the spirit of giving during Ramadan. The campaign featured heartwarming stories of generosity that aligned with the values of the festive season.
3. Darlie: Semangat Hari Raya
Darlie’s “Semangat Hari Raya” campaign celebrated the festive spirit through a vibrant musical-inspired short film encouraging Malaysians to reconnect with their loved ones. The message struck the hearts of many since it was released after the slight easing of COVID-19 restrictions, during which time people could only communicate digitally.
4. Batik Boutique: The Spirit of Gifting in Ramadan
Like CelcomDigi’s short film, Batik Boutique’s campaign also focused on the tradition of giving during Ramadan. However, the brand offered exclusive discounts on its batik products, positioning them as perfect gifts for loved ones. This strategy ultimately boosted sales and reinforced the brand’s cultural identity.
5. Farm Fresh x Coolblog: Tradisi Cool Ramadan
During Hari Raya 2021, Farm Fresh collaborated with Coolblog to release two exclusive beverages for their Tradisi Cool Ramadan Campaign: Farm Fresh Date Milk and Kathira Smooth. These milk-based beverages incorporated the flavours of dates and pandan, commonly found in local Malaysian delicacies.
These products were successful because they put a nostalgic, traditional Ramadan twist on contemporary drinks. Since they were time-limited, customers felt a greater sense of urgency to try them out before they were discontinued.
Ramadan and Hari Raya 2025 present a wealth of opportunities for Malaysian SMEs. Businesses can thrive during this festive season by adopting localised business strategies, leveraging on digital marketing, and enhancing customer experiences.
As the festive season approaches, now is the time to start planning and implementing these strategies. However, scaling up for the festive season requires significant capital. That is where Funding Societies can help! Whether you need Business Term Financing or Micro Credit Lines, Funding Societies offer financing solutions to help you seize the moment with flexible repayment plans. Find the best financing option for your business here!
