By Hussain Al-Salman

KUWAIT: Consumerism is a concept that is increasingly prevalent in many people’s minds today, particularly the idea that one should be mindful of the establishments they choose to support. Simply put, no one wants to endorse a system that undermines values they hold dear. This could involve striving to bolster the local economy or avoiding transactions that may harm others abroad.

In recent times, there has been a growing concern about making purchases that could contribute to the Palestinian apartheid. Instead of scrutinizing each brand to establish a clear link to the apartheid, many find it easier to support local brands. However, issues arise, especially considering how long people have been purchasing from specific foreign brands. This concern particularly applies to disposable products — items that are bought daily, such as coffee and fast food, which can be consumed multiple times a day.

Kuwait Times conducted a survey on social media platforms frequented by local youth, with 25 respondents participating. These surveys provide insight into the motivations and hesitations regarding support for local brands. The first question revealed that a majority of respondents either do not support local brands or do so only occasionally. A common reason cited was the perception that local brands are expensive.

Kuwait Times also explored the notion that local brands might be exploiting consumers due to ongoing crises. A majority of respondents were either convinced of this or uncertain. To gain a more personal perspective, several people were interviewed in a crowded mall. Jean Reyes, 39, from the Philippines, expressed that local brands are usually unique and culturally fitting. When asked about the difficulty of supporting local brands, she said, “It’s not hard because the local brands have a foreign touch.”

Tim Richards, a 43-year-old British expatriate, stated, “Sometimes stock can vary, but they’re readily available most of the time, and usually cheaper.” This suggests that the perception of local brands is generally positive among foreigners in Kuwait, and there is hope that support for local businesses will increase. However, Kuwaitis seem divided on this issue. For instance, 21-year-old Kuwaiti Essa Haitham described local brands as reliable, while 24-year-old Bodour Al-Dashti disagreed, stating, “Restaurants are a bit overpriced and are exploiting the ongoing crises.”