SINGAPORE. Changi Airport has held its first ever online auction as part of a series of National Day promotions to celebrate Singapore’s 55th birthday, attracting thousands of participants.
On 4 August, a list of 14 items were auctioned off at a starting price of SG$0.55 (US$0.40). They included popular electronic gadgets such as the Apple AirPod Pro, Bose home speakers and headphones, Huawei P40 5G phone, Nintendo Switch Gen 2 Console and other lifestyle items.
Each product was given a two-and-a-half-minute bidding window. Once the hosts opened the bidding, to capture the bids accurately and reply to shoppers’ questions, a team of four managed the comments, which reached almost 5,000 by the end of the one-and-a-half-hour auction.
During the event, the two hosts also held quizzes for viewers and gave away Changi Gift Cards and iShopChangi shopping credits.
Almost 52,000 people tuned in to the auction, with more than 2,800 watching live at the peak point. Most of the shoppers managed to snap up a bargain, with the items going for about -40% to -50% off their original retail prices.
Changi Airport Group Landside Concessions Vice President James Fong said: “We wanted to make it a fun event in which people can participate from home. Extending our retail offerings online in this novel format allowed us to interact and engage with shoppers in a new way.
“I think the thrill of winning a bid in front of thousands of viewers is what makes live online auctions so popular. We are happy with the turnout and hope to bring more exciting shopping and dining events and offers to fans of Changi.”
