Traders in Sunyani, mostly women, have expressed concern about the rapid influx of shopping malls in the regional capital, which they claim is threatening the collapse of their businesses. The low pricing regime at the malls is forcing many of them out of business and wearing down their market shares. This concern was raised as the Ghana News Agency (GNA) conducted a market survey, noticing the rapid springing up of shopping malls, mainly China malls, in the capital.
A market survey by GNA revealed that scores of shoppers were flocking to major malls like the newly opened Makro Mall along the Sunyani-Abesim Highway, the Red Star Mall at the Sunyani Victory Park, and Lemon Mall at the Sunyani-Penkwasi Traffic Light area. These malls sell basic products such as cooking utensils, electrical gadgets and appliances, clothing, mattresses, furniture, and interior decors. The presence of these malls has changed the shopping landscape in Sunyani.
Retailers, mainly at the Sunyani Central Business District (CBD) enclave, have made a passionate appeal for some kind of regulation to ensure local enterprises and businesses are not stalled. They believe that with the right regulations, they can compete effectively with the malls. The appeal comes as many local traders struggle to maintain their market share.
Madam Theresah Asantewaa, a shop owner, called on the government to set up standardized and harmonized pricing models to enable indigenous shops and retailers to compete with the malls, particularly the China Malls. She believes that this will level the playing field and give local businesses a chance to thrive.
Madam Mercy Amoah, a dealer in clothes, cited specific examples of how the China malls are undercutting local traders. She mentioned that a dining table set selling at GH₵1,500 in the local market was selling for GH₵1,000 at a China mall, while cooking utensils selling for GH₵1,300 in the local market were selling for GH₵800 at a China mall. This significant price difference is making it difficult for local traders to compete.
The influx of shopping malls in Sunyani has resulted in a significant shift in consumer behavior, with many shoppers opting for the lower prices offered by the malls. Local traders are worried that if this trend continues, many of them will be forced out of business. They are calling for urgent action to address this challenge.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. The traders' concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach to economic development that takes into account the needs of local businesses and traders.
Key points
- Traders in Sunyani are concerned about the influx of shopping malls threatening their businesses.
- The low pricing regime at the malls is forcing many local traders out of business.
- Traders are calling for government regulation to ensure local enterprises and businesses can compete effectively.
