Speaking about the situation, some of the traders expressed their disappointment and said that they had expected a better turnout of customers. They cited the scarcity of cash as a primary reason for the low patronage, with many potential buyers unable to access cash due to ATM and POS network issues.
Some vendors also highlighted that some customers were opting to purchase goods on credit, further affecting their businesses. They noted that while they understood the financial challenges faced by some customers, it was difficult for them to sustain their businesses on credit sales alone.
In response to the situation, some vendors have resorted to accepting mobile money payments and other digital payment options. However, they noted that many customers were not familiar with these payment methods, resulting in further challenges.
Meanwhile, some food vendors have also expressed their concerns about the low patronage. They noted that they had prepared a significant amount of food in anticipation of a high turnout, only to be left with excess unsold food due to the low sales.