Merch Owner Guarantees Duty Reduction Transfer To Consumers
The Merch is grateful to the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the FijiFirst Government for introducing sweeping duty reductions on imported items.
These changes have considerably reduced the business’s import duty bill on the items that The Merch brings into the country. Owner Watesoni Nata said the duty reductions on imported items have undoubtedly made items more affordable for his customers to access quality homeware items at reasonable prices at The Merch.
“I will make sure that the cost of goods is kept at a very minimal price and that these duty reductions are passed on to our customers.
“Merch customers can ensure more cheap deals here at the Merch.Our current business model is very COVID friendly (cheap prices) and quality goods.
“The Merch believes and provides for the affordability and accessibility of quality second hand goods to the people of Fiji and we thank the Bainimarama Government in ensuring this continues for the people of Fiji,” he said.
Recently The Merch moved to a new location, a warehouse at Lot 2 Leonidas Street in Walu Bay, Suva where the business hopes to provide more space and convenience for its customers.
COVID-19 impact
With the global pandemic still in its existence, it has allowed The Merch to revisit its drawing board and reassess the way to approach its business.
Mr Nata said The Merch had to adapt accordingly in order for the business to survive.
He said apart from implementing internal human resources changes, reducing its opening hours, and restructuring its finances, The Merch also partnered with Fiji Chemicals Ltd to retail a wide range of their cleaning/sanitary chemicals and products.
“So consumers can access hand sanitisers, washing powder, surface sanitisers dishwashing liquid, toilet and bathroom cleaning chemicals, dust mops, sanitary wipes and other cleaning equipment both for household and commercial use, right here at the Merch.
“The Merch also drafted and adopted a Business Continuity Plan with the assistance of Fiji Commerce Employers Federation (FCEF) and Business Link Pacific,” he said.
While the business attempts to recover from the impact of COVID-19, The Merch is slowly picking back the pieces and is thankful to the FijiFirst Government in managing the COVID-19 Crisis effectively. “Ever since the first lockdown, we have been able to operate and gain the confidence of our customers back slowly. “Customers have given us the confidence to carry on with our business as they have continued to show interest in our product,” he said.
Plans
While plans will be underway soon to open a new shop possibly within the Nasinu – Nausori corridor or in the Western Division, The Merch is doing its own little thing to survive.
There are currently 10 full time employees at The Merch
Current opening hours are Tuesday to
Saturday from 10am to 4pm.