By: Jeremiah Nutsugah.
During this festive Christmas season, markets are adorned with lively scenes as eager buyers walk through the crowded people in the market for their holiday purchases.
As customers engage with traders, traders at Lapaz convey a range of reactions to the sale of Christmas items. Some celebrate successful sales, while others share differing views as their sales unfold differently than planned.
The undeniable holiday preparations at Lapaz are evident, with shops decorated with Christmas lights, especially those situated near the roadside, boasting an array of festive items. Mothers and youth are actively promoting their goods, shouting and running after potential buyers. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the sounds of passing cars and “trotro” mates calling out destinations add to the bustling market ambiance.
In an interview, Ama Koranteng, a trader, expressed frustration, saying, “We expect high sales because it’s Christmas, but this Christmas, we are actually not seeing much at all. People don’t buy even though we have nice items on the market. Mention the price, and they flee without making a purchase. We plead with the government to put money in citizens’ pockets so they can buy from us.”
Conversely, Kojo Mensah shared a positive experience, stating, “This Christmas is going very well. I came since 5:30 am, and I haven’t been able to arrange my things due to people buying items continuously until now, almost 9:00 am.” He emphasised the need for more people to keep buying, suggesting that the government needs to ensure there’s enough money for people to make purchases.
Entering a larger shop owned by Anim Kpozo, it was evident that people are buying decorations and gifts early this year. He remarked, “It’s heartening to see customers getting into the Christmas spirit,” with his shop adorned with colourful ornaments.
While economic factors and uncertainties contribute to the complexity of this year’s Christmas sales, Lapaz traders express mixed reactions. Some are cautiously optimistic, noting that customers are gradually embracing the festive spirit. Meanwhile, others voice concerns about inflation and financial constraints impacting consumer spending.
They navigate varied sales experiences this Christmas, but the spirit of the season remains vibrant, promising a flurry of transactions and diverse outcomes for traders.
