DURIAN season is here.
A multitude of roadside stalls will have popped up in an attempt to tempt the durian lover to pull over with promises of “unbeatable offers”.
One vendor in Malacca (with a branch in Kajang), though, went one better and resorted to the age-old tactic of using ‘sex appeal’ as a marketing ploy.
Durian Papamuda stall has roped in a couple of topless young hunks to attract customers. Pictures and videos of the buff beefcakes “working” at the stall have been widely circulated, both via social and traditional media.
As far as attracting eyeballs to the Durian Papamuda “brand’, the ploy has definitely worked. It is not known whether this has translated into improved sales.
This being durian season, though, there were plenty of comments on social media. This is a sample of what was said on the Meanwhile in Malaysia Facebook site.
The ploy certainly had the desired effect on some.
While others frowned on the shameless stunt.
One netizen seemed put off by possible hygiene issues.
One netizen said he would only buy from the topless old Chinese vendor, taking it as a sign that fruit is farm-fresh.
Competitive pricing was the way to go, argued one netizen, not smelly armpits.
Another netizen went one further when she suggested a sure-fire way to attract Malaysian eyeballs.
Some netizens, though, seem to have misplaced their sense of humour.
Of course, there were some cheeky comments asking when a durian stall would feature similar female equivalents.
This is not the first time that durian vendors have tried such a gimmick. As reported by New Straits Times, a man named Ashton Koh Jia You was seen promoting durian with his impressive physique in Kepong in 2022. A year later, Ery Syarif in Terengganu gained traction online for doing the same, selling durian near the Kuala Terengganu drawbridge topless.
A few things this publicity stunt highlights.
Firstly, competition is tough. Durian Papamuda is to be applauded for trying to up the ante. Whether it succeeds or not, at the very least there is an attempt at “marketing”.
Secondly, amid comments that seem to take umbrage at this ploy – can these people just take a chill pill and be less prudish? It is such attitudes that have led to a society that demands segregated swimming pools and frowns upon the wearing of shorts.
Last but not least, the sight of such well-sculpted specimens might just inspire some of their male brethren to pump some iron, too. And not just stuff their faces with the king of fruit.
Though there was wishful thinking on the part of some. – July 14, 2024
