Sales of yuletide decors stay brisk despite crisis

Christmas time is here again and despite the tight purchasing power of consumers, still a few pesos can be spared for Christmas decorations to make our homes a bit livelier albeit a short-lived time for merriment.

And as this season comes, a lot of street vendors shift from vending their regular wares to selling yuletide decors being in demand on the market due to peoples' frenzied preparation for the coming celebration at this time of the year.

The shimmering colors and lights of the different Christmas decorations displayed in malls, bazaars, and small stores' vicinities indicate that there is indeed a demand for these goods despite the daunting fact that behind those glimmering lights are lives of consumers leading back to a bleak life after the season.

However, for street vendors, this is rather a good time to take advantage of the sales demand for these kinds of products as proceeds will be substantial amid the healthy competition in the market.

Mr. and Mrs. Joy Kho who ventures into this business every year said that as early as September they already earned sales as soon as they begin their business compared to selling fruits, which is their regular means of livelihood.

Joy Kho, 32 year-old, have been in the business at the early age of 16. He and his siblings have inherited the business from their parents. He said he earns around P2000 and sometimes more at his place at the Carbon area.

Lita Delposo, 42 year-old, have been engaged in this street vending business for more than 20 years and shifts to selling Christmas decorations during the yuletide season.

From the experience of these ordinary vendors, a capital of at least P5,000 can generate higher sales, hence a justifiable return of investments follows.

While these vendors get their supplies directly from Sawang Kalero, Cebu City where most of the couples in the compound focused on making Christmas lanterns as their means of livelihood, they are also the ones supplying in some prestigious malls and supermarkets like White Gold Club and Gaisano- Main.

For other decorations supplies such as Christmas trees, Christmas garlands, and Christmas series, vendors purchase them directly from Chinese enterprises.

These vendors projected that this year's sales will be higher compared to the previous year since consumers nowadays have a bit more to spare for the season despite the unebbing economic crisis.

Piyang-yang, el bimbo, tarorot, five stars, five fingers, and pacho-cho are the kinds of Christmas lanterns flaunted in both streets and ordinary stores, while the various kinds of Christmas trees in malls are Sitka Spruce, Fine leaves, Long leaves, Kuanya, Vinyl, Shasta, and other imported kinds. Christmas garlands and series are also available in assorted kinds.

This culture of business provides advantage to business sectors as well as to ordinary people who find additional income from this kind of occupation where they can also obtain resources for their own Christmas day celebration.