Retailers in Suva are gearing up for a late influx of festive shopping, with many consumers opting to postpone their purchases until just before the celebrations. Jitesh Patel, President of the Suva Retailer Association, noted a slight decline in shopping activity this year compared to previous festive seasons, but he remains optimistic about an upswing in sales as the holidays approach.
Patel mentioned that the trend of last-minute shopping has been consistent in recent years, with many consumers favoring a rush to complete their purchases as the celebration days draw near. “So far, it’s been a little bit of a downturn, but we expect this week it will go up,” he stated, expressing confidence that foot traffic in stores will increase imminently.
In light of the festive rush, businesses are focusing on maintaining fair pricing and ethical practices. Patel highlighted their responsibility to uphold consumer rights, particularly during this high-demand season. “We want consumers to come out and do your shopping, whatever you like,” he encouraged, assuring customers that retailers are committed to adhering to legal standards.
Additionally, Diren Kapadia, Director of Brij Lal, emphasized the significance of maintaining a good reputation during peak shopping periods. He insisted that retailers must follow consumer protection laws and maintain ethical conduct to ensure customer trust.
As the festive season progresses, retailers are hopeful that last-minute shopping will help them recover from the slower start, and they are dedicated to providing consumers with a transparent and positive shopping experience. Through respectful interactions and honest practices, businesses aim to foster a loyal customer base while celebrating the holiday spirit.
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