Ushering in the gold dragon: Katai Trading prepares Kuching for auspicious year ahead

Yean Pin, the second-generation owner of Katai Trading, holding some of the dragon-themed items.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Jan 22: Nestled on the ground floor of Chan Bee Kiew Building on Jalan Padungan, Katai Trading Company (Katai Trading) has been going strong for ages, famous for selling top-notch festive items of all sorts.

From Chinese New Year to Hari Raya Aidilfitri to Christmas, they have it all.

Katai Trading, a family-owned business, has been a staple in the local community since its establishment in 1979 by Jong Syn Chew. Today, his son, Jong Yean Pin (second-generation owner of Katai Trading), proudly carries on the legacy, steering the ship into the future with a touch of modern flair.

Katai Trading transforms its shopfront into a mesmerising sea of red, adorned with captivating lanterns of various sizes that gracefully dangle from the ceiling.

Thriving business amid general price hike

According to Yean Pin, the purchasing momentum this year has been unexpectedly surprising.

“Actually, during last year’s Christmas, we began to receive inquiries about Chinese New Year’s items.

“Many people are looking forward to the new Dragon Year products, primarily because the Dragon Year represents auspiciousness and prosperity. That is why, after Christmas, we immediately displayed the Chinese New Year items,” he told DayakDaily when interviewed.

In addition, Yean Pin mentioned that despite the rise in product prices caused by labour fees in China and material scarcity due to high market demand, sales have increased this year compared to last year during the Year of the Rabbit.

“However, just like the Year of the Rabbit, many Chinese New Year items have sold out early,” he added.

He also explained that despite a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the price of goods, certain items like Chinese New Year flowers, red packets, lanterns, and others have remained at their original prices.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the price increase only applies to a small portion of the products available in the premises. Specifically, only items that contain velvet have experienced a rise in prices.

From red lanterns to gold dragons

For this year, Katai Trading has once again revamped its charming shopfront into a captivating display of red.

The shop is now adorned with lanterns of different sizes, hanging elegantly from the ceiling. These lanterns have become iconic symbols of the store, attracting locals and tourists alike.

As the Year of the Dragon steals the show in the Chinese zodiac, Katai Trading has pulled out all the stops in handpicking a collection that truly embodies the essence of the legendary beast.

The shelves are adorned with dragon-themed items, from intricately designed figurines to eye-catching red and gold couplets featuring the mythical creature in all its glory.

Golden dragons grace the shelves, adding a touch of mythical elegance to the display at Katai Trading.

Vibrant red and gold couplets creating an eye-catching display at Katai Trading.

Katai Trading’s success over the years can be attributed not only to its impressive inventory but also to the dedication of its staff and the loyalty of its customers.

The shop, which began as a humble endeavour, has now grown its presence with strategically placed branches throughout Kuching.

Yean Pin further expressed optimism for a prosperous business year ahead, believing that businesses will be able to deal with any challenges that arise.

“We have entered the era of artificial intelligence and everyone must continue to improve their knowledge. Only by learning more can we keep pace with the times, and this is also the growth that a business must go through,” he remarked.

The Katai Trading owner also took the opportunity to wish everyone good fortune in the Year of the Dragon. — DayakDaily