This report covers a number of the most important products in Malaysia’s online market plus an extensive evaluation of products available within the country. The choice is based on data made available by Affin Hwang’s Retail Audit Division which makes use of anonymous consumer panels to achieve an accurate understanding of Malaysia’s online shopping behaviors and preferences.
According to our research, the top-selling products are as follow:-
The overall top-selling product within Malaysia’s online shops is mobile phones, accounting for a 21% share of total retail value sales throughout 2017 or RM2.5 billion out of RM11 billion. Mobile phone prices range from less than RM100 up to over RM14,000 per unit depending on customized features added to devices. iPhones represent one-third (33%) of total sales within the mobile devices market.
The second highest-selling product in 2017 is tablets which captured a share of 11% to total retail value sales of RM1.5 billion out of RM11 billion throughout the year. The price range for this category is from less than RM100 to over RM2,000 per unit and represents 24% share while iPads occupy 43% share respectively with an average selling price (ASP) at about RM900.
The third spot belongs to halal cosmetics with a 10% share of total retail value sales or around RM1 billion out of RM11 billion in online shops last year. This category covers make-up, skincare, and hair care products that are Halal certified and available across a wide range of prices from as low as RM11 to over RM1,000 per unit.
The fourth most popular product in Malaysia online shops last year is baby care products which have a share of 8% to total retail value sales of RM800 million out of RM11 billion. Sales for this category are projected at about RM100 – RM200 per unit and this is followed by kitchenware with a share of 5%.
Here is the list of top-selling products in Malaysia online 2022
Table of Contents
1. Electronics
Electronics is a general term for a wide range of products such as televisions, cameras, and other multimedia devices. In Malaysia online shops, covers mobile phones, tablets, and other electronics. The research found that the top three most popular types within this category are smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
2. Clothing
There is a wide range of clothing available in Malaysia online shops from fashion clothing to sportswear items to traditional Malay attire such as baju kurung and baju kebaya. Research shows that women’s apparel is the number one selling type comprising 30% share of total fashion sales online while men’s fashion accounts for 22%. There is also children’s fashion which has a 7% share out of total fashion sales.
3. Beauty & Personal Care
Beauty products are popular among Malaysians shopping online. This includes skincare, beauty accessories, and cosmetics that include make-up, perfume, and haircare items. Within this category, research shows that women’s beauty is the number one selling type with a share of 31% out of total beauty sales while men’s fashion accounts for 19%. The other types in this category include baby care products (11%) and kitchenware (5%).
4. Baby Care Products
This category covers all things to do with pregnancy and babies including diapers, feeding bottles, and clothes. Other items included in baby care can be bedding, towels, or even toys for kids up to age 3 years old which makes it a popular choice to shop online.
5. Food & Beverage
The research shows that food and beverage products are preferred by Malaysian shoppers among the top five categories which include other items such as kitchenware, beauty and personal care, baby care products, and fashion. Within this category, the research found that halal food is the most popular type with a share of 36% out of total F&B sales while pet supplies have a 2% share.
6. Pets Supplies
This category covers all animals kept as pets including dogs, cats, and other types of caged birds or small rodents like hamsters and rabbits. They also include fish tanks and goldfish – something Malaysians still love to keep at home! Other items in this category include pet food and dog accessories.
7. Kitchenware
Along with furniture, kitchenware is another category that’s popular among Malaysians shopping online. This includes tableware such as cutlery, crockery, and glassware as well as cooking appliances like ovens, microwaves, or rice cookers. While this only occupies a 5% share of the total retail value sales for Malaysia online shops last year, research shows that Malaysians are starting to pay more attention to this type of sale with an increase of 17% in 2017 compared to 2016!
8. Furniture
People buying furniture online include those who prefer not to buy through conventional channels such as brick-and-mortar shops fears of unresponsiveness or even scams. Over the past few years, customers have also started to buy furniture online, especially for comfortable sofas and beds.
9. Books
Books are still among the top products Malaysians want to purchase through Malaysia online shops as research shows that people would rather read books on their computers or mobile devices than buy hardcopy books these days. The same goes for other forms of entertainment such as music and movies which may include CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.
10. Footwear
Footwear is another top-selling category among Malaysians online as almost 50% of those surveyed said they had shopped for shoes. And the research shows that women’s footwear is the number one selling type with a share of 30% out of total shoe sales while men’s fashion accounts for 18%. Other types in this category include kids’ shoes (11%) and sports shoes (10%).
Conclusion
The above list of top 10 selling products in Malaysia online 2022 is based on local and international studies as well as through interviews with knowledgeable persons and Malaysian online retailers. Shopping for furniture, books, and music/movies may not be as popular now as buying clothes or shoes but there has been a steady increase in customer desire to shop online for these items. And that trend should continue into the future! While sales from other product types such as home improvement tools, games & toys, and groceries are relatively smaller than those mentioned above, it’s interesting to note what Malaysians will still love to buy online even years later – time will tell if this list changes or remains pretty much the same!
