Eta Seruvatu, a resident of Nayawa Village in Sigatoka, is urging parents to tackle their back-to-school shopping early in order to avoid the hectic crowds at town centers and the rising costs typically seen with last-minute purchases. This week, she was seen completing her shopping, taking steps to steer clear of the chaos that often follows the distribution of the government’s $200 Back-to-School assistance.
Ms. Seruvatu shared that her choice to shop ahead of time is driven by her aim to evade the throngs at local retailers. “We know when the government assistance is out, there are a lot of people, and the town is very busy, especially for these bookshops. So this is a good time for us to do our back-to-school shopping, rather than waiting for the government assistance,” she noted.
While she typically finishes her shopping before the school holidays start, she mentioned that she is currently gathering the last few items needed for her children. “Normally, I always do my back-to-school shopping before the holidays start. But right now, we are just running around for the little things that we need to buy before school starts,” she added.
Ms. Seruvatu stressed that shopping early not only brings convenience but also acts as a safeguard against unexpected price increases. “As parents, we should, rather than waiting for last-minute shopping, because I believe that is when the prices start increasing,” she advised.
Moreover, living close to Sigatoka Town, she expressed her desire to leave sufficient resources for families traveling from remote inland or maritime areas during this busy time. “I prefer doing my shopping now to give a chance to those who come from afar to do their shopping when school is about to start,” she explained.
During these fluctuating economic times, Ms. Seruvatu’s proactive approach highlights the importance of planning ahead, allowing parents to secure the best deals and reduce the stress associated with last-minute shopping sprees. Her efforts serve as a reminder of the benefits of early preparation, making it easier for families to manage their budgets effectively amidst financial uncertainties.