The backlash and anguish over Huawei’s backfired promotion, as told by the internet
PUBLISHED ONJuly 26, 2019 8:03 AMByIlyas Sholihyn
By now, you’ve already heard about the utter chaos unfolding at Huawei stores and retailers across the country — pandemonium caused by a misfired marketing stunt by the company as part of its National Day commemorations.
Hell hath no fury like Singaporean uncles and aunties who feel cheated out of a sweet deal. Grizzled veterans when it comes to bargain-hunting, folks aged 50 and up reacted vehemently after they were turned away from buying Huawei’s Y6 Pro smartphones (for just $54!). Even before the stores opened for business, Huawei claimed that its handsets were sold out islandwide thanks to the “unprecedented surge of demand”.
“The company would like to thank members of the public for their continued support and regrets for the insufficient supply for the masses,” a company spokesperson stated to AsiaOne.
“Huawei remains committed to bringing attractive offers to all and will continue to put the interests of customers at the forefront of its business.”
Even participating retailers like Courts and Challenger had to turn queueing folks away, repeating the declaration that Huawei’s Y9 Pro handsets were all sold out. Of course, that didn’t do anything to quell the anger of the elder masses. The sheer amount of displeased crowds got so bad that Huawei actually had to shut down its stores and service centres in 10 locations across Singapore for the rest of the day. Armed police officers had to stand by at some areas to maintain order.
Overall, an eventful Friday morning, to say the least. But enough words — we’ll just let you relive the moments of distress through all the pictures and videos shared on the internet earlier today.
The signs
The queues
anyways the queue is crazy o dont think ill get to purchase a set pic.twitter.com/3h7s8u2SGd
— Rizzuan A. (@blahfurhsnarg) July 26, 2019
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiIc0j9KhZw[/embed]
The drama
ok so the police managed to control the crowd outside but the uncles are going off on why there was only 90 sets given and people were clapping??? I was like yalls its just a phone pic.twitter.com/iu4G7iFmqk
— Rizzuan A. (@blahfurhsnarg) July 26, 2019
ok while i was near the front of courts i didnt know this uncle here was popping off on the police and courts staff at this point my knees were hurting, stomach growling, but i was determined i was eating good from all this chaos so i had to stay HAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/fGtQpB18xq
— Rizzuan A. (@blahfurhsnarg) July 26, 2019
The memes
Lol pic.twitter.com/dGykXK7SRE
— Eisen (@eisen) July 26, 2019
People in HK fight for their freedom and democracy. While old people in Singapore fights over Huawei $54 smartphone. Police activated on scene. Oh my.
— Er Kok Yong (@eRky_) July 26, 2019
Senior citizens after queuing since 4am to get a phone then proceeding to demand a seat on the MRT pic.twitter.com/W41urbOJbp
— cock loving maniac (@matthiyass) July 26, 2019
ilyas@asiaone.com