iPrice: More Malaysians have been searching for Animal Crossing and adult toys online during the MCO

iPrice Malaysia has investigated the search trends of more than 900 thousand visitors on their website during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and found numerous interesting & unexpected findings backed by data. The findings included that more Malaysians have been searching for hair trimmers, the game Animal Crossing, and even adult toys and condoms.

Appliances

According to iPrice, there is a whopping 7587% increase in people’s interest for bread makers, a 3048% increase for stand mixers, a 2029% increase for air fryers and a 1059% increase for ovens. Judging by the popularity of the Masak Apa Tak Jadi Hari Ni Facebook page, more Malaysians are trying their hand at cooking and baking but with less experience and more experimentation.

Electronics

More Malaysians are investing in laptops as iPrice sees a 299% increase in searches, most likely due to people needing the tools to work from home, or communicate better online. But more people are searching for tablets, which sees a 1125% increase. This could possibly be for a more portable and affordable alternative to an entire laptop if you need to look at a bigger screen for work, or it could be to help keep kids busy.

Gym equipment

As we stay at home longer, we might crave getting some exercise to help circulate the blood flow or to keep fit. Skipping ropes have seen a 4528% increase in interest, and it makes sense because it’s a pretty affordable way to do cardio at home. We also noticed a 2016% increase in yoga mats.

Gaming

Unsurprisingly, since people can’t go out, more have opted to invest in video games for entertainment. The Nintendo Switch console saw a 1064% increase in searches, to the point where the consoles have either been sold out or are overcharging due to scarcity.

For people who aren’t into video games but are still looking for activities they can play with their families or house mates, they’ve probably been responsible for this 4336% increase in searches for board games. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch enthusiasts have been responsible for this massive increase of 17427% for the Switch game Animal Crossing.

Health and beauty

There has been a 61% and a 79% increase in searches for condoms and fertility test kits, respectively. There’s also a 347% increase in searches for adult toys and vibrators. Make of that what you will.

Even though Malaysians are a little bit puzzled about whether or not we should be wearing them when we go out, it is shown that there is a 648% increase in searches for masks. However, the most surprising of the search results go to shaving supplies (trimmers/clippers) for a 17652% increase in searches. As barbers are still not allowed to operate right now, more of us are looking into doing the job ourselves. Just be careful when you do try to cut your own hair.

The data featured were obtained by aggregating thousands of product pages of more than 150 online merchants through iPrice’s site. Data on the increase in searches were analysed by comparing the impressions data recorded from 18th March to 17th April as compared to 16th February to 17th March.

However, the given data by iPrice is based on search volumes and it doesn’t necessary lead to actual purchases. Still, it is significant enough to highlight what people are looking for at these times.

We previously reported of findings from Commerce.Asia where they saw a surge of 149% year-on-year GrossMerchandise Volume (GMV) growth in the first quarter since the MCO was introduced. According to their findings, the fastest growing product transacted online during the MCO was ladies underwear at a whopping 909% increase.

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