The government has cooperated with Sanrio, a Japanese entertainment company, to bring Sanrio characters to Macau’s northern district for a “Flora Fête” – and Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) Director Yau Yun Wah said on Saturday he expected the 6½ month campaign to enhance consumer sentiment and stimulate the “community economy” there.
Organised by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau in conjunction with The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, several Sanrio characters are being displayed in two groups in the form of large-scale arts installations in Iao Hon Market Park and Praça dos Lótus in Ilha Verde until October 13, with different activities such as booth games, dance performances by the Sanrio characters, and flash mobs.
During Saturday’s kick-off ceremony in Iao Hon Market Park, Yau said in a speech that “the special administrative region [SAR] government has always prioritised the development of the community economy and is committed to enhancing the business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” expressing optimism that the partnership with Sanrio, a globally recognised intellectual property (IP) brand, will infuse the northern district with new vitality through a variety of engaging amusement activities. In his speech, Yau encouraged business operators in the district to seize the opportunities presented by the campaign, by offering customers a wider range of products and improved services than before while maintaining a commitment to honesty and integrity in their business practices.
According to the bureau, starting in the middle of next month and throughout the campaign period, anyone who makes a single purchase of 50 patacas or more in the northern district will have the opportunity to enter a lucky draw for a Sanrio character-themed gift.
Wong Kin Chong, president of The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, said he believes that the campaign will help draw footfall to the district during the mainland’s Golden Week holidays of May 1 and October 1, as well as throughout the summer holiday, adding he anticipated that business in the northern district during the festive season would increase by 20 to 30 percent compared to the off-season, thanks to the event’s support.
The overall budget for the campaign was about 18 million patacas, according to Yau, who pointed out that eight million patacas have been allocated for the setup, maintenance, and licensing of the various installations, while the expenses for consumer promotion activities totalled 10 million patacas.
Suspension may be imposed on irregular transactions: DSEDT
Meanwhile, the three-month-long “Community Consumption Grand Prix” consumer promotion campaign began on March 24. This past weekend marked the first week for redeeming vouchers obtained during weekdays. Yau reminded the public that if any irregular transactions are detected, violators will be suspended and restricted from participating in lucky draws for their vouchers unless they lodge a complaint, stressing that the practice aims to ensure that members of the public make normal purchases in order to be eligible for vouchers.
A woman on Friday walks past a wall in Toi San district painted with Sanrio characters. – Photo: Yuki Lei
