A major shopping surge hit retailers yesterday as people packed city centers before Christmas. Both formal stores and informal traders reported heavy activity, with residents ignoring the usual Sunday slowdown for last-minute preparations. Long lines formed at ATMs as workers withdrew cash for the holiday period.
Business owners expressed excitement over high sales volumes, especially in clothing, which began rising weeks ago. Sectors like barber shops, salons, and beauty parlors are particularly busy. A Harare hairdresser named Ashly Muza reported working from early morning until night without a break due to client demand. Retailer Irvine Musindo said daily sales averaged around a thousand dollars, leaving him with low stock. Shops selling formal wear also saw steady business from customers attending weddings and lobola ceremonies.
Some parents used the shopping period to buy school uniforms for the upcoming term, noting that classes resume shortly after the New Year. Shopper Alice Jaji prioritized these expenses before spending on Christmas groceries. Another customer, Gladys Gumbo, shopped on Sunday to avoid the expected Monday crowds and traffic congestion. Travel hubs like the Mbare bus terminus were extremely crowded with thousands heading to rural areas.
Business owners expressed excitement over high sales volumes, especially in clothing, which began rising weeks ago. Sectors like barber shops, salons, and beauty parlors are particularly busy. A Harare hairdresser named Ashly Muza reported working from early morning until night without a break due to client demand. Retailer Irvine Musindo said daily sales averaged around a thousand dollars, leaving him with low stock. Shops selling formal wear also saw steady business from customers attending weddings and lobola ceremonies.
Some parents used the shopping period to buy school uniforms for the upcoming term, noting that classes resume shortly after the New Year. Shopper Alice Jaji prioritized these expenses before spending on Christmas groceries. Another customer, Gladys Gumbo, shopped on Sunday to avoid the expected Monday crowds and traffic congestion. Travel hubs like the Mbare bus terminus were extremely crowded with thousands heading to rural areas.
