Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
BULAWAYO’S city centre has come alive with back-to-school activity as vendors cash in on last-minute shopping by parents and guardians ahead of schools reopening this week.
Pavements and open spaces are crowded with traders selling school uniforms, shoes, stationery and bags, while parents move from stall to stall trying to complete shopping lists for their children.
Foot traffic has increased noticeably in the city centre, especially around popular vending spots, as families search for affordable options in the face of tight household budgets.
The back-to-school period remains one of the busiest times for informal traders, offering a crucial income boost after weeks of slow business. For some vendors, the earnings from this short period help sustain their families well beyond the school opening week.
Local tailors and small-scale uniform makers have also seen increased demand, particularly for learners starting at new schools, with some workshops working longer hours to meet orders.
The surge in activity comes as the local authority continues efforts to regulate vending and decongest the city centre. Despite this, vendors remain visible, saying the back-to-school season is too important to miss.
