Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
RETAILERS, both formal and informal, reported a massive surge in business yesterday as shoppers flocked to the city centre ahead of Christmas Day this Thursday.
It was a hive of activity as the city’s residents defied the traditional Sunday rest to complete last-minute Christmas preparations.
ATMs were characterised by long queues as civil servants and private-sector employees rushed to secure cash for the festive season.
The country began winding down on Friday as parastatals and offices closed their doors, ushering in a marathon holiday stretch.
This year’s break offers a pause for the workforce, spanning from Monday’s Unity Day commemorations through to the Christmas and Boxing Day double-header.
The Herald visited many shops and found owners ecstatic over the unexpected surge in sales, particularly in clothing, which began two weeks ago.
Businesspeople from different sectors including barber shops, salons and beauty parlours, reported a bustling festive season.
From major supermarkets to small-scale traders, businesses across the country experienced brisk sales as shoppers splurged on a range of products including groceries, clothing, electronics and other gifts.
“I haven’t even had time to eat since Friday,” said Ashly Muza, a local hairdresser in Harare. “With the high volume of clients, I’m working from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.”
Mr Irvine Musindo, a children’s wear retailer, also echoed similar sentiments. “I have averaged US$1 000 in daily sales since Friday. My only challenge now is low inventory, but I plan to restock tomorrow.”
For shops specialising in formal attire, the trend remained steady as customers made last-minute purchases for weddings and lobola ceremonies typically held during the festive season.
“I would like to thank God because people are coming in large numbers, especially those planning lobola ceremonies. Furthermore, prices have remained stable throughout the year, which we are very happy about,” said a retailer who only identified himself only as Gift.
However, some parents took the opportunity to buy school uniforms for children, particularly Grade Ones and Form Ones, given that schools will be opening very early in the New Year.
“I prefer paying school fees and buying uniforms for my kids before spending money on Christmas groceries,” said parent Alice Jaji. “Christmas is a time for joy, but we should not forget that a few days after the New Year, school preparations begin. Most people will be broke by then.”
Another shopper, Ms Gladys Gumbo, said she chose to shop on Sunday to beat the Monday rush.
“From tomorrow onwards, the town will be congested with both humans and vehicles, so I just decided to buy clothes for my children today.”
Beauty parlours are also bustling with activity, as women are getting their hair and makeup done in preparation for the festive season.
Similarly, barber shops are recording brisk business, as men and some women opt for stylish haircuts to look their best for Christmas celebrations.
All roads leading to the Mbare bus terminus were heavily congested, and the terminus itself was packed with thousands of travellers—most of whom were bound for rural areas.
