RICHMOND, B.C. — Cecilia Liang’s annual pop-up stall for Lunar New Year decorations at the Yaohan Centre in Richmond, B.C. has been a beloved tradition for 25 years. However, this year marked a significant challenge for her and fellow vendors as sales of snake-themed products have notably decreased with the arrival of the Year of the Snake, which began on January 28, 2025.
Liang explained in Mandarin that many customers find snakes unsettling. "Many people think snakes look scary," she said. Lunar New Year decorations typically highlight cute portrayals of the zodiac animal for that year, but crafting an appealing representation of a snake has proven difficult. Liang showcased a variety of products, including stuffed toy snakes, wall hangings, and god of fortune statues, but many of these designs featured biologically inaccurate portrayals, such as snakes with long eyelashes and exaggerated big eyes.
Liang noted, “Among all the Chinese zodiac, selling snake-related craftsmanship is one of the most difficult.” She also recalled that the Year of the Rat posed similar challenges. Despite the difficulties, her stall continues to offer traditional decorations alongside snake-themed items to attract a wider customer base. “Some parents would say, aiya (a Cantonese exclamation of dismay), I will not take snakes home,” Liang recounted, but she reassured them that the decorative snakes are not real and posed no threat.
Yu Xiaopeng was among the customers who countered the trend, purchasing a $5 stuffed snake for his daughter. “I feel it looks pretty cute,” Yu remarked in Mandarin, emphasizing that it was a family tradition to gift toys representing different zodiac animals each year. Yet, Liang remained aware that some customers were still hesitant to embrace snake-themed merchandise.
Carol Kang, who has operated a Lunar New Year booth at the nearby Aberdeen Centre for over ten years, confirmed she is also experiencing a notable drop in sales. She indicated her sales figures were down by 50 percent compared to the previous year, which was the much-celebrated Year of the Dragon, a favorite among many. Kang expressed that unlike the Year of the Dragon, “the Year of the Snake isn't that a big year for them,” hinting at a less enthusiastic reception across the board.
While sales of animal decorations may be lagging, the overall atmosphere at the Aberdeen Centre remained lively with vendors presenting flowers, festive clothing, and traditional crafts. Liang observed that many customers were still willing to spend, albeit not as generously as in past years, citing the wider economic context as a contributing factor to the fluctuations in sales.
Despite the downturn, Liang expressed gratitude for the connections fostered with clients during this festive period. “I am grateful that clients are still willing to spend money at my booth. I don’t have high standards; I am happy as long as everyone gets what they want to decorate their homes to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” she stated. Her philosophy encapsulates the essence of the festivities, focusing on the joy and health that the New Year brings rather than solely financial gain.
