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A survey by Business Chronicle over the weekend revealed that owing to an influx of flea markets, business was generally low.
A trader who operates from Unity Village, Ms Sikhangele Nkomo, said high unemployment was forcing people into the flea market business.
“A number of people are taking up flea markets as a source of livelihood, posing stiff competition that in turn cripples the viability of such enterprises.
“If Government could do something about it or at least reduce unemployment rates, I am optimistic flea market business could be viable once again,” she said.
Ms Nkomo said during good months over the years, she used to cash in between $500 and $600 per month compared to $300 that she hardly reaches at present.
She said due to stiff competition some traders were reducing their wares’ prices to attract customers.
Another operator, Mr Misheck Chirandu, said it was becoming difficult for them to expand their businesses due to stiff competition.
“I have been in this business for quite some time now and my hopes and vision are slowly being dashed as I expected to have expanded it by now,” said Mr Chirandu.
He said operating the flea market was his only source of income and hoped the situation would improve so that he could be able to sustain his family’s livelihood.
Mrs Agnes Mangena who operates from Fort 11 Flea market said they had no option but to accommodate the new players and compete to make their businesses viable and profitable again.
“There are so many people who now operate flea markets and we just have to accommodate them and try to work harmoniously to make the business viable and profitable again,” she said.
Online Reporter