THE IMPACT OF JOHOR BAHRU ON THE SHOPPING PATTERN OF SINGAPOREANS

Abstract

Johor is without doubt the southern growth pole of Peninsula Malaysia. With the emergence of new and better shopping developments in Johor Bahru, many Singaporeans are flocking over the Causeway regularly to do their shopping and also seek leisure. Due to its proximity to Singapore, it has been a popular investment, tourist and shopping destination. The buying public is now more affluent, sophisticated in taste and expects a great deal more in terms of wider range and better quality goods and services. Presently, megamalls and hyper-marts have sprung up in different parts of Johor Bahru and they house shops, food outlets, recreational and entertainment facilities. The size of all these developments are also generally huge in nature due to the availability of land in Johor. All these shopping developments make shopping in Johor Bahru the same experience as in Singapore. This dissertation will trace the present shopping pattern of Singaporeans and analyses both the future and current consumer behaviour in Johor Bahru. The price factor is the main draw of Singaporean crowds who patronise the shopping developments in Johor Bahru, especially on weekends. Those with their own vehicles will enjoy a more fruitful trip as they can buy much more than those who commute by public transportation. Many Singaporeans also travel across the Causeway to savour the good and cheap food there.