Nadi and Lautoka Markets Face Downturn as Costs Rise and Tourists Decline

Vendors in the Nadi and Lautoka markets are increasingly troubled by low business performance, which has become a pressing issue for many small-scale traders. Rising supply prices coupled with lackluster customer turnout are severely affecting profits, leaving vendors with only a small portion of their previous earnings.

Nadi Market vendor Ajay Prasad reported losses ranging from $50 to $100 each week, driven by unsold produce spoiling before reaching potential buyers. He attributed these challenges to a marked increase in the cost of living. “Last year was very good for business, but this year is not very good. I think the high cost of living is causing sales to go down,” Prasad noted.

Veena Ramendra, also from the Nadi Handicraft Market, echoed Prasad’s concerns. She pointed out that the number of tourists visiting the market has sharply declined this year, with tour companies frequently opting to direct their clients to larger retail stores instead. Ramendra emphasized the difficulty of encouraging these companies to include the handicraft market in their itineraries. “Compared to a couple of years back, this year we had very few tourists coming around. We really had to work harder, put in more effort to make sales and convince customers to buy from us,” she shared.

The situation in Lautoka Market mirrors that of Nadi, where sales remained stagnant even during the festive season, a time usually hoped for increased revenue. Vendor Mozmin Bibi remarked on the contrast with previous years when sales during the holidays were robust, adding that unfavorable weather had affected business last year. This year, however, the market has seen an overall decline in performance, attributed to the escalating cost of living.

Numerous vendors in Lautoka expressed similar experiences, indicating a trend toward weak business across the board. Despite these setbacks, vendors in both markets are demonstrating a remarkable resilience, showing a commitment to adapt and persist in their efforts to support their families during these challenging economic times. Their determination reflects a hopeful spirit, as they continue to seek ways to enhance their sales and engage with customers more effectively.