After two years of confinement due to the pandemic, this year we will finally celebrate Christmas and New Year without any restrictions.
As expected, many buyers are flocking to town for their end-of-year shopping and despite the changing weather, yesterday the town was abuzz.
During these festive times, many regular vendors of Lari Bazar were selling their goods and services which varied from toys, bed sheets, hampers etc. Despite foot traffic in the early morning to noon at Market Street, some vendors posted in stalls along the streets stated that sales are a bit low, which can be as a result of the intermittent rain causing people to either rush to the office or home putting a halt on business.
However not all merchants had the same feeling. The festive atmosphere was definitely present, with sounds of local Christmas songs playing for all to hear and the chatters of shoppers.
Towards noon with improved weather conditions, the numbers of people increased. Many stalls, offering different items were located all throughout town from Unity House to the Camion Hall but more centralized along ‘Lari Bazar’.
Edwina, a regular seller on Market Street, shared that she is already out of stock in table covers, and sofa covers. “I do not know if people already got paid as we are not seeing the crowd yet. Maybe during the weekend we will see more buyers.”
Another shopper said before doing shopping, she will first pay all her bills.
Rose-Marie, another seller, shared that “Rain is disrupting the shopping spirit. When it rains, we have to cover our items; some people will still come and see the products whereas others will prefer to go in the shops. We are selling everyday though. We have to rearrange our table to protect our wares from the weather.”
Kiara, another young lady selling perfumes, slippers, curtains and bedsheets added that she already sees the festive ambiance. People are coming to town and she hopes to have more clients soon.
Josianne, a shop owner in OJ Mall selling mainly clothes and gift sets, noted a decrease in customers/sales. “Last year we had better sales. Seychellois want to buy but complain of not having enough money. There is Christmas in the city but no money to spend.
Una Quatre from Dud’s Shoe cavern, selling mainly shoes, is very positive about this festive season. “Customers are coming and I am optimist about the sales for this year. We have more women customers than men and the environment is favourable.
In the middle of ‘Lari Bazar’, we also found a stand where customers can have their gifts wrapped for only R25, inclusive of gift wrap, ribbons and labels.
Present also were several artists selling their CDs/pendrives.
The accompanying photos show some ambiance in Victoria yesterday.
Source: Seychelles Nation
