Shopping malls have become a beehive of activity as shoppers scramble for the discounted prices that retail shops give during the festive season.
Usually, at this time of year, shops slash their prices to attract customers and increase their sales and shoppers go in search of good bargains.
Coupled with the month-end rush, the city’s major shopping centres like Game City, Riverwalk and the old Main Mall were crowded with early shoppers trying to beat the festive rush.
One observer at Riverwalk said that the mall was incredibly busy over the weekend and was surprised that the exodus to rural areas had not yet taken place.
The shopping mall was crowded with both, real shoppers and window-shoppers.
There was a lack of parking space and traders at the mall were already reporting incredible trading volumes.
Traders have also begun offering a wide range of gift ideas and specials, which shoppers are finding attractive and good value for their money.
“It is incredibly difficult to predict what will happen during December or even compare 2004 and 2003 at this stage, due to the fact that many are still waiting for that all important Christmas Bonus,” another observer at Riverwalk said.
A trader at the city’s largest appliance shop, Hi-Fi Corporation, which is located at Riverwalk, said yesterday that the shop is getting more customers this year compared to last year.
“We are definitely getting more people and we are offering discounts, but I cannot say how much we have discounted for them because we discount on individual items,” Andrew Rossle, Hi-Fi branch manager said yesterday.
Rossle added that no other appliance shop in the city beats them in terms of prices and guarantees, which is why most people are shopping there this season.
“We are not afraid of competition as we are a market leader in our field. We are keeping an eye on our competitors,” he said.
He added that they have been able to reach out to customers since they regularly advertise their products in the media like in newspapers, radio and TV.
Giant food chains are also expected to benefit from the festive season shopping rush as people cash in on cheap food from these stores.
