Slow Business Precedes Val�s Day

Some traders in the Greater Accra region are complaining bitterly about low patronage of their goods ahead of Valentine�s Day.

Betty Ellison, a shop attendant at Dansoman, in an interview with City & Business Guide, indicated that most shops have enough gifts and other souvenirs for the Valentine�s Day celebration but sales are low.

According to her, most people who visit her shop have attributed the development to the fuel price increase. She said �the last time the market was good was in 2008. We run out of stock but people were still trooping to our place for various kinds of gifts to buy,� she added.

She explained that most people who visit her shop undertake window shopping. �The media did not hype it much this year. We will see if the few days left to the day of the celebration will make any difference.�

Winifred Arthur, another shop attendant at Kaneshie, in her remarks, stated that no customer has entered her shop to enquire about prices of gifts cards or teddy bears this year.

She indicated that this year�s Valentine celebrations have been devoid of the usual pomp. �Probably, the Woyome issue could be a factor,� she commented jokingly.However, Gertrude Ozor, another shop owner at the Kaneshie market disclosed that even though sales have been low, Ghanaians usually purchase items in the last minute, adding, �So we are hoping that they will follow their usual trend and purchase goods. We are here because of them.�

She revealed that woman usually buy things like designer perfumes, singlets, wines and towels for their husbands and loved ones during Valentine�s Day festivities. She indicated that men normally purchase teddy bears, chocolates, panty roses, designer perfumes and cards, among other things, for their wives and loved ones.

Prices of Valentine cards range from GH�2.50 to GH�7 while teddy bears sell between GH�8 and GH�80. Wines are going for GH�5 and GH�20 while chocolates are going for between GH�4 and GH�20.

Towels are being sold at between GH�30 and GH�50 while panty roses go for GH�2. Designer perfumes also go for between GH�15 and GH� 40.

Source: Portia Anaman/D-Guide