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Children enjoy a ride at an amusement park at Longcheng Plaza in Harare yesterday

Diana Nherera and Nyemudzai Kakore—
Zimbabweans yesterday defied odds to rekindle the traditional merrymaking associated with Christmas despite low disposable incomes caused by most companies’ failure to award bonuses. Shoppers could be seen grabbing something for their loved ones to ensure they enjoy Christmas today. Long queues were witnessed at bus terminuses and pick-up points on major roads leading out of Harare.

Most bus operators enjoyed brisk business yesterday though there were fewer travellers compared to previous years.

Mbare Musika was a hive of activity as people boarded buses to destinations like Beitbridge, Nyamapanda,Chiredzi, Chipinge, Kariba and Mutare.

Pick-up points like the Harare Exhibition Park, Boka Tobacco Auction Floors, Road Port along Robert Mugabe Road and the Westgate roundabout were busy as travellers sought transport.

Cash was not a problem as most automated teller machines were dispensing money.

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe national chairperson Mr Phillip Bvumbe warned retailers against fleecing consumers by hiking prices

The introduction of bond coins, he said, eased change woes which previously hit retailers at this time of the year.

“We anticipate that due to Christmas, there is demand for products and shop owners are likely to hike prices because of high demand.

“As the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, we warn shop operators not to fleece consumers of their hard-earned cash,” said Mr Bvumbe.

“Because of the new coins we believe retailers and manufacturers should come up with pricing structures that take into account that we now have change and they should not round-off prices,” he said.

He advised consumers to spend wisely.

Mr Bvumbe said most consumers preferred shopping at downtown shops because of lower prices offered compared to conventional shops.

“The indication is that there is a lot of importation of goods where foreigners are smuggling goods and are opening tuckshops where most of the products are far much cheaper than other shops.

“The challenge now is for the law enforcement agents because while we want to promote our local products, they should bring to book those who smuggle goods into the country,” said Mr Bvumbe.