Sands hosts largest shopping carnival despite virus fears

Monday 10th of August 2020

Despite the potential for another wave of pandemic, Macau casino operator Sands China kicked off a three-day Sands Shopping Carnival from Friday to Sunday, attracting around 500 businesses and thousands of members of the public.

The carnival is known as the largest shopping event of its kind in Macau, held at the Sands Cotai Expo. It provides a platform for local SMEs and Sands retailers to connect with members of the public, and is in line with the government’s “Consume for the Economy” Initiative.

“Sands China is very pleased to present the Sands Shopping Carnival this weekend to help stimulate domestic consumption and boost the economy in support of the Macao SAR government Consume for the Economy initiative,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd. “Despite the current unfavourable business environment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the development of local enterprises. With this three-day shopping carnival, we aim to provide a free business platform for local SMEs and Sands retailers to gain more business opportunities. By hosting this event, we also wanted to be able to give back to the local community, and we hope residents and visitors will take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this safe and family-friendly shopping and leisure destination.”

Chui Yuk Lum, vice president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Sands Shopping Carnival not only provides a free and direct platform for local SMEs to do business, but also offers an additional leisure option for Macao residents. We are convinced that this event will help stimulate domestic consumption, maintain employment and boost the local economy. With these activities, we hope large enterprises – including integrated resort operators – will continue to support the development of local SMEs and help them navigate these challenging times.”

The carnival was both consumption e-voucher friendly and featured six zones: BOC Macau Presents: Household and Lifestyle Products, BNU Presents: Sands Retailers, Family Workshops, Gourmet, Cultural & Creative and Play and Fun

The company also noted that it had taken strict steps to ensure the safety of its exhibitors and attendees. Besides the online registration platform, other safety measures included temperature checks upon entry; mandatory wearing of face masks; and disinfectants and hand sanitisers at all booths and at all carnival entry and exit points.