Handicraft Sales for Christmas Savings
A group of women handicraft vendors of Viseisei Village in Lautoka are optimistic that they will make good sales in the lead up to Christmas Day.
About 14 vendors normally set up their marquees at the main entrance to the village every week from Monday to Saturday displaying their handicrafts in hopes to earn enough income to put food on the table.
The sale of handicrafts by the women was initiated by their ancestors in the late 1970s.
At the moment, they are fortunate to have tourists back into the country with the arrival of cruise ships and the reopening of international borders one year ago.
Village tour guide, Unaisi Tora said the women had to put on hold selling handicrafts for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Tora said the women were privileged to see tourists again.
“Before the pandemic, our sales were going good and now after COVID, it is not as good as before but it is picking up slowly,” she said.
“This is the main source of income for most of the ladies.”
The women sell a range of items like handmade jewelry, home decoration, bags, sarongs, tea towels and masi which cost between FJD$5 and FJD$50.
The women are usually out selling their items from 7.30am to 5pm.
Ms Tora said the village normally received a lot of Chinese visitors.
Vendor, Mere Ligica, 51 said the women were grateful to be out of their homes aiming to make a good sale each day.
“The money will go towards our Christmas Day celebrations and whatever we need to purchase at home,” said Ms Ligica.
“While our husbands are out on the farm, the women are here selling their handicrafts.”