Businesses into Xmas operations

MANY businesses are already in the festive operations with strong traffic experienced in most shops.
City Pharmacy Ltd Group managing director Sir Mahesh Patel said: “Currently, the economy is very sluggish with a diminished spending power.
“We are hoping that with the Christmas period, people get bonuses and year-end pay outs which will drift into shopping.

“We are in full swing with our plans of ensuring stock availability, casual staff for continued customer service during the busy period and our marketing plans are in place.
“We are hoping and expecting a bumper Christmas after all the issues we have had with the Covid-19 situation this year.”
Another major retailer, Brian Bell Group, was hopeful for a positive Christmas period.

Chief executive officer Cameron Mackellar said customers would be given an opportunity to scratch a ticket to win prizes.
“Our total prize pool is over K450,000 – giving every customer a great chance to win something,” he said.
“Spending per customer has been great and exceeding expectations and we’d like it to continue right through to Christmas.
“We are actually expecting a massive Christmas across the country.
“Given we have all endured a challenging Covid-19 year.
“Christmas is the one time of the year families and communities get together and celebrate this wonderful and special time.
“Christmas puts everyone in good spirits and this is certainly a year where everyone needs a little more cheer in their lives because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Papua New Guineans have done a wonderful job managing such difficult circumstances these last nine months.
“Our stores are packed with great Christmas gifts for everyone and our focus has certainly been on trying to provide good value to everyone, knowing the economy has been doing it tough.
“We have all our Christmas decorations in place and everyone can buy a tree, decorate it with tinsel and baubles as well as throw some presents under the tree for Christmas day.”