每年到了歲末，各大小城市總會舉辦各式各樣的展覽，彷彿是一種習慣，對廠商來說，這段期間是衝刺業績的最後關鍵時刻，各家品牌無不使出渾身解數，推出最吸睛的新品與最誘人的折扣，希望能在年底前再拉上一波亮眼成績，因此，我的印象中，年終向來是個適合購物的好時機，只要願意多逛、多比較，常常能用相當划算的價格買到心儀的商品。
放眼全球，這種年末促銷的氛圍幾乎成了共同語言，西方的感恩節假期一過，緊接著就是熱鬧非凡的黑色星期五（Black Friday）以及網購星期一（Cyber Monday），實體店家大排長龍、電商平台伺服器都快被擠爆。
而在我們這裡，也有屬於自己的購物節奏，在11月的光棍節（雙11）到12月的雙12活動，幾乎每一年都能看到業者不斷刷新銷售紀錄，雖然這幾年景氣不若以往，但是，這段購物狂歡的期間，我還是常常被各式便宜好物燒到。
今年我特別抽出時間到電器展逛逛，原本只是想順便看看有沒有需要的家電，或掏些便宜好物，其實，電視機、冷氣機、冰箱、洗衣機等基本家電，只要沒壞的話，一般家庭是沒有更換的動力，至於喜歡求新求變的人，倒是可以在電器展上發現些新事物，我對展場上的裸視3D螢幕，很感興趣，可以不用戴笨重的頭盔，就可以體驗3D效果，在玩3D遊戲時，感覺硬是不一樣，不過，這個產品除了較貴之外，效果其實一般般，還有很多改善的空間。
突然，一陣震耳欲聾的歡呼聲從展場另一側傳來，我好奇地循著聲音走過去，才發現原來是一家知名伴唱機廠商正在舉辦現場歌唱比賽，即使不是專業歌手，每個人都像明星般站在聚光燈下，全場觀眾的掌聲和歡呼聲更讓氣氛達到高潮，雖然我唱歌不好聽，不過，我也很喜歡和朋友一同高歌的好感覺，近年來，人們不只能在家庭中開唱，伴唱機輕巧便攜，還能帶到戶外露營地，和朋友一同歡唱，其實，生活中喜歡高歌一曲的人還不少。
Every year as we approach the end of the season, cities big and small start hosting all kinds of exhibitions. It feels almost like a tradition. For companies, this period is the last chance to boost their annual sales, so every brand goes all out, launching eye-catching new products and irresistible discounts. That’s why, in my impression, year-end is always the best time for shopping. If you’re willing to browse around and compare, you can often score great deals on the things you’ve been eyeing.
Globally, this year-end shopping craze has practically become a universal language. Right after Thanksgiving in the West, the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday kicks off. People line up outside physical stores, and e-commerce websites practically crash from heavy traffic.
Here, we have our own shopping rhythm too. From Singles’ Day (Double 11) in November to the Double 12 sales in December, retailers set new sales records almost every year. Even though the economy hasn’t been great lately, I still find myself tempted by all the great deals during this shopping season.
This year, I set aside some time to check out an electronics expo. I originally just wanted to see if there were any home appliances I needed—or maybe pick up a few bargains. Honestly, for things like TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, most households don’t replace them unless they break. But for people who love trying new gadgets, expos are full of surprises.
One thing that really caught my attention was a glasses-free 3D monitor. You don’t need to put on any bulky headset to enjoy the 3D effect, and playing 3D games on it definitely feels different. But aside from being pretty expensive, the overall effect was just okay. It still has a lot of room for improvement.
Then, out of nowhere, a thunderous cheer came from the other side of the hall. Curious, I followed the sound and discovered that a well-known karaoke machine brand was hosting a live singing competition. Even though none of the participants were professional singers, everyone on stage looked like a star under the spotlight, and the crowd’s applause and cheers pushed the atmosphere to its peak.
I’m not a great singer myself, but I really enjoy singing with friends. In recent years, karaoke machines have become so portable that people can even bring them to outdoor campsites and sing together under the night sky. Honestly, there are more people who love singing their hearts out than you might think.