Profit margins tighten at CNY stalls despite holiday foot traffic

For the Lunar New Year, 10 temporary stalls were set up on the waterfront pedestrian walkway in front of A-Ma Temple, attracting many residents and tourists. However, one stall operator said this year’s revenue shrank by about 30% compared with last year.

The stalls operated for eight consecutive days and closed at 6:30 p.m. on February 23, the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, also known as “People’s Day.”

According to Macao Daily News, a stall operator surnamed Chen, who has run an incense and windmill stall for the second year, said overall sales this year were similar to last year. However, because prices were set lower than last year, revenue declined by about 30%, affecting profit margins.

She also noted that the weather during the operating period was favorable, and windmill sales volume was even higher than last year. The main reason for the shrinking profit margin was the lower windmill prices this year. Even with higher sales volume, it was difficult to offset the revenue loss caused by reduced unit prices.

Changes in overall consumer spending power also had some impact on business performance.

On the final day of operation, some tourists followed stall operators’ recommendations and bought incense to worship at A-Ma Temple, praying for family health and safety, and said they found the prices reasonable.

Other tourists purchased windmills featuring Macau architectural designs, hoping for good luck while also using them as souvenirs. Ricaela Diputado