Physical distribution of goods in the country is supported by the well-developed and extensive road infrastructure. Almost all areas in Brunei are accessible by the road system; hence, physical distribution does not hinder the delivery of goods to retailers. Conversely, the distribution channel in Brunei still takes the traditional form, where trading companies are normally involved in direct importation of consumer goods or act as main distributors for particular brands. These companies are then responsible for delivery of the goods to retailers.
According to a recent study conducted by Douty, Michael, and Yong (2002), the tenancy distribution of shops in Brunei is of a multiethnic nature. The Malay people are mostly running restaurants and feature only as partners in the other business types, such as sportswear and equipment, where they form partnerships with Indians. They also partner with Singaporean and Malaysian Chinese people in businesses such as souvenirs, antiques, building materials, irrigation equipment, and outboard engines. Chinese people as a group are spread over all business types, although there seems to be an emphasis on businesses in car sales/service, textiles/watches, footwear/ bags, Chinese medicine, jewelry, tailoring, and electronic retailing. It was also observed that the Indian people run almost all the neighborhood provisional stores (Kedai Runchit) in the country.
Tags: consumer goods, Economy, infrastructure, Malay, People, Restaurants