Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
MOST retailers in Bulawayo yesterday cashed in on the increased volume of business as customers congested their shops and supermarkets to do their last-minute Christmas shopping.
There was heightened activity in the city as people could be seen doing their last-minute shopping in preparation for Christmas on Monday, which is often celebrated with the family.
Supermarkets and clothing stores were packed, with shop assistants battling to serve a large number of shoppers.
Banks and money transfer agents such as Mukuru, and Western Union could not cope with long queues as people collected the remittances sent by their relatives.
Most people expressed joy at the price stability which has seen basic prices remaining largely unchanged in the second-half of the year after a particularly rough period of rising inflation.
The recent midterm review of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) also noted the increase in domestically produced products on the local market.
Industry players noted that this increase has had a huge effect in ensuring that prices remain affordable.
More stability in prices also follows meetings held by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni with businesses to ensure price stability during the festive season.
Minister Nyoni last week met relevant business organisations to discuss prices and the market supply of basic commodities this festive season.
Among those in attendance at the meeting were the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, the National Bakers Association, the Oil Expressers Association of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Retailers Association, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers, the Zimbabwe Sugar Sales and the Zimbabwe Sugar Association.
Before the meeting, Dr Nyoni said her ministry had observed an emerging trend of increasing prices during the festive season in past years.
Major supermarkets such as OK, Pick n Pay, popular food outlets, and clothing and gift shops were yesterday busier than usual as shoppers stocked up for the holidays.
In interviews, consumers said they were delighted that there has been price stability.
“Despite the year being economically tough, I managed to buy all the basic commodities including Christmas goodies for my children to enjoy the special day. Although prices slightly went up, generally there was stability,” said Ms Sinobuhle Dube.
Mr Samuel Munodawafa said he was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family after fully stocking.
Another shopper, Mr Obert Zondo, who travelled from Ntabazinduna to do his Christmas shopping, said: “Most shops in Ntabazinduna do not accept RTGS, which is primarily the reason why I decided to come and shop in Bulawayo where there is also a variety of goods.”
A trader, Mrs Mbongeni Moyo, who operates a gift shop said business was brisk.
“Business was good and for the first time in a month, today the sales were good. I actually ran out of stock on some of the items because of demand,” she said.
Consumers Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) Matabeleland regional manager, Mr Comfort Muchekeza urged consumers to desist from impulse buying, saying they should consider budgeting first to avoid overspending.
“In their Christmas shopping, we urge consumers to prioritise critical things and bear in mind that come January there is an issue of school fees and rentals. So, my advice to everyone is that they should exercise caution,” he said. — @flora_sibanda
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