Sales don’t rock, say Sunday vendors
Fiji Times, Fiji
UNAISI RATUBALAVU
Monday, January 21, 2008
VENDORS at yesterday’s ROC market in Suva said they found it hard making a sale.
Handicraft seller, Waisea Tubu said sales were not good.
“This year and last year, we hardly sell anything,” Mr Tubu said.
“When the ROC market started five years ago, we used to sell nearly everything that we bring,” he said.
Mr Tubu attributed the downturn to the economy.
“People just don’t have that kind of money to spend.”
Mr Tubu is a retired teacher and sells most of his handicraft to resorts and hotels in the Western division.
Yesterday, he was only able to sell two or three pieces of his handiwork.
Kelera Rakai, who sells handmade hair accessories, cards and dyed sulus, reported a similar drop in sales.
“People just come and see for themselves what’s available at the ROC market, but they don’t spend that much,” she said.
Ms Rakai is a sales rep for Samoan entrepreneur Mele Clarke.
E-Chutney members from Navua were also at the market to sell chutney, Indian snacks and clothes.
Vinita Kumar and Asha Mishra were selling tamarin and chilli chutney at their stall.
“Only the snacks are selling fast but the clothes and chutney, we’ve only sold some,” Mrs Kumar said.
Mrs Kumar said their group came about from a Government initiative aimed at kick-starting business for rural women.
“This E-chutney business has eight members and we make chutneys and sew clothes, knitting and other stuff for money,” Mrs Kumar explained.
The group used to take part in the ROC market two years ago and decided they would take part again this year.
About 200 people were at yesterday’s ROC market to check out food, jewellery, clothes, paintings, pot plants and other items.