Zimpapers Logo

A survey by Business Chronicle revealed that owing to the influx of flea markets, business was generally low this festive season.

In separate interview, traders said the closure of firms in Bulawayo had triggered high unemployment levels which had seen fewer people with buying power while more resorted to starting vending businesses.

“The flea market business is saturated with traders to an extent that it is creating stiff competition hence crippling the viability of our enterprises,” said a trader who operates from Fort11 flea market.

She said people in Bulawayo were opting to travel to neighbouring countries to buy clothes for the festive season.

“People have realised that through travelling to Botswana and South Africa they would be saving money,” she said.

Another trader operating from Unity Village, Mrs Pathile Sibanda, said most of the boutiques and clothing outlets which had closed operations in the city have resumed operations.

“Most of the shops like Edgars and Power Sales have resumed operations offering customers clothes at significantly low prices hence flea markets become a second option.

“Few people buy clothes at flea markets since the majority prefer to purchase inferior clothes from Chinese and Indian shops mushrooming all over the city since clothes are available at low prices ,” said Mrs Sibanda .

She said they had hoped to cash in on the festive season but due to stiff competition it was proving difficult to achieve.

“Due to stiff competition it is proving difficult to expand operations, let alone make a profit since profits are used up to pay high import duty charged by border officials.

“Furthermore we have to pay monthly rents to the owners of the flea market stands ranging between $60 and $150,” she said.