Maseru, Dec. 30 — With the reality of Christmas Day spending now behind consumers, some businesses along Kingsway Street in the Maseru Central Business District are facing a difficult period marked by low sales and reduced foot traffic.
Several stalls along the busy street were observed standing empty, with no vendors on duty just hours ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Others remained open, but vendors appeared idle as potential customers passed by without stopping.
For those still operating, selling the remaining stock from the Christmas holiday rush has proven to be far more challenging compared to the early days of the festive season, when demand was high and sales were brisk.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Wednesday, street vendor Mr. Seleso Mokomoreng said business had slowed significantly after Christmas, attributing the decline to depleted household budgets.
“People spent most of their money before and on Christmas Day. Right now, customers are just looking, asking for prices, but very few are actually buying,” he said.
Mr. Mokomoreng added that some vendors had chosen to stay away from the streets to avoid incurring losses, particularly those selling perishable goods or seasonal items that are no longer in high demand.
Another vendor Mrs. ‘Mamosiuoa Khanare echoed similar sentiments, noting that while New Year’s Eve usually brings renewed activity, this year’s turnout remains uncertain due to rising living costs and economic pressures faced by many Basotho families.
Despite the slow pace, vendors remain hopeful that last-minute shoppers and New Year celebrations may bring some relief before the end of the festive season.
Ends/NT
