Visionary Reports

Business thrives as Christmas approaches

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way in littoral’s economic capital of Douala. Christmas bells are ringing and Douala has been gripped by the fever. Christmas items have dotted the streets and super markets in the economic capital. A sojourn within, reveals a city with colour and splendor, most companies, industries, offices and super markets have begun decorating their environments with Christmas colours.

The items on sale on the city’s markets are telling that Christmas is around the corner, the affluence of people in most markets is a clear indication that the festive period is here. While in most markets, one could find toys of all kids and of all ages, some of the toys found in Marche Chinois in Douala include , cars, games of all sorts, airplanes, dolls, guitars,  watches, balloons, pianos, tambourine, and a lot more. Christmas tree is very much present with it lights and other decorations readily available on sale. Shoes, dresses, and others are also available. Most hawkers and vendors have abandoned their shops within the market and have chop up more than half the space of the road. The atmosphere is lighted and most toys are singing Christmas carols

 Tchatcha Antoinette a vendor in Marché central   said now is the time for them to make money. “I have stocked in Christmas items worth millions and am sure to sell all of them and make enough profit during this festive period” She disclosed that she sells in bulk and details.   She sounded off that she has customers from the North West, South West, West and Centre regions. “Most of the my customers from out of Douala buy to go and sell”.

However she regretted that business has been timid this far especially with the corona virus outbreak but she remained hopeful that things will get better in the days ahead.

By Gina ESONG