Consumer goods demand to go up

The demand for consumer goods is expected to increase in the coming weeks with the majority of the COVID-19 social gathering restrictions uplifted.

As announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals and other religious occasions could now be held outdoors without any restrictions on the size of the capacity.

Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Ravi Chhaganlal said this would increase the consumer demand for goods and services for people wishing to hold such functions.

However, Mr Chhaganlal, said the increase would happen gradually once more people, who had lost their jobs and others affected by the pandemic, returned to some form of financial stability.

In Labasa Town, Infashion Clothing shop manager, Yogita Patel said they had witnessed an increase in the demand for Indian wedding clothes and resources.

Mr Patel said with the festive season of Diwali and the wedding months of November and December approaching, they were expecting increased sales.