While many shops closed over Lunar New Year, most supermarket chains and convenience stores stayed open.
This made sense, as the fixed costs, like rent and equipment, were there already.
During the holiday, smaller businesses faced higher variable costs, such as wages, which might be as much as double. To get around this the employers pass the extra costs on to the consumers. For example, some Chinese restaurants charge 20 per cent on top of the bill for the first three days of the New Year, to help pay the additional wages.
Customers usually accept this as a matter of practice and tradition.
But when you visit the supermarket you know that you can still buy items at the cheapest price. You will not be charged extra even if shopping hours have been extended.
However, did you know that the supermarket has other tricks to make more money from you without you being aware of it?
Supermarkets have researched customer behaviour over the years. They have ways to tempt you to fill your trolley and empty your wallet. If you take a look at the floor plan of a supermarket, you will have some idea of how it works.