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Flea markets still have few shoppers a month before Christmas


The usual holiday traffic is nowhere to be found in Manila’s most prominent flea markets 30 days before Christmas, according to a "24 Oras" report by Mark Salazar on Thursday.

Many Filipinos are still holding on to their precious cash or are on the lookout for the best discounts in buying gifts.

Carlos, who went from Taytay’s markets to Greenhills, San Juan in search of cheaper gifts for his godchildren, shared that the huge impact of the pandemic on his business will affect his gift-giving this year.

“Before talaga po cash ‘din, tapos ngayon po mga item na lang na masusuot din ng mga batang inaanak ko,” he said.

“Siguro po bawi next year po,” he added.

Another customer, Lily, also said she can better stretch her limited budget is she gives items for gifts than give money.

Store owners say their business have been greatly impacted by the lockdowns and the people's lack of income.  Online stores are also factors.

“Competition na eh. Ang competition ko dito is online, hindi yung mga physical store dito. For me online talaga, pero may advantage kasi kami which is nakikita nila yung product nila,” retailer Clint said.

Meanwhile, Ilaya Street in Divisoria is once more brimming with various toys, bags, clothes, and shoes on sale for the Christmas season.

Retailers and vendors hope for better sales this coming Christmas.

“Hinihiling ko sa Pasko na marami nang mamimili para may pamasko din ako,” vendor Jessa Dagatua said.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA News

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