With the festive season just around the corner, supermarkets across the nation are bustling in preparation for an expected surge in customer traffic as holiday shopping begins to ramp up. Vishwa Nadan, the manager at Rajendra’s Foodtown Supermarket, highlighted that shopping trends remain consistent with previous years, with items such as chicken, juice, ice cream, an assortment of meats, and snacks among the top sellers.
“We have increased our inventory in line with our annual preparations to meet the busy festive period and Christmas demand,” Mr. Nadan shared. Essential purchases for shoppers during this time commonly include favorites like chicken, ice cream, sausages, juice, snacks, and fruit cakes.
To attract shoppers, various supermarkets are implementing promotions that have shown to be quite effective, particularly among customers from islands such as Kadavu, Lau, and Rotuma, who flock to Suva for their holiday needs. “As school holidays commence, we are seeing more customers from the islands buying in bulk and preparing these items for transport back home,” Mr. Nadan remarked, noting the assistance provided by staff in packaging goods for shipping.
Mr. Nadan also urged customers to remain composed and shop wisely amidst the rush, especially considering the unpredictable weather. “We are all experiencing the festive season together; here’s hoping for clearer skies ahead. Enjoy the atmosphere, shop safely, and make the most of this special time,” he encouraged.
The festive atmosphere is palpable throughout Suva as stores adorn themselves in holiday decorations, signaling a shift in focus following Diwali. Jitesh Patel, president of the Suva Retail Association, commented on the anticipated increase in foot traffic, with businesses ready to welcome families and shoppers eager to benefit from holiday deals.
“We’re observing that some shoppers are starting their back-to-school shopping earlier to dodge the January rush, while many are busy selecting Christmas gifts,” Mr. Patel affirmed. He expects the trend of heightened shopping activity, particularly over the weekends, to persist throughout December, culminating in a busy final week leading up to Christmas as last-minute shoppers finalize their holiday purchases before heading to celebrate with family.
Safety remains a primary concern during this bustling period, and Mr. Patel reassured customers of improved security measures throughout the area. “We have security cameras in operation and are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure a visible presence on the streets,” he remarked. He encouraged shoppers to reach out to store managers regarding any concerns, emphasizing that retailers are dedicated to providing excellent customer service.
As Suva’s business community extends a warm welcome for the festive season, the invitation is clear: residents and visitors are encouraged to embrace the joy of the season, shop responsibly, and spread merriment throughout the city. This thoughtful approach fosters a sense of community, highlighting the importance of coming together during this special time of year.