By mid afternoon, yesterday, a beaming Olivier Kubwimana said she had already earned a profit of Rwf40,000, thanks to Christmas Eve shoppers.

Usually, Kubwimana hawks handbags, but when it approached Christmas, she took a gamble, ventured into items associated with the day and this gamble paid off.

In a scotching sun, she targets the busiest street in downtown Kigali, commonly known as Quartier Matheus, hawking, among other items, Christmas trees and different decorations that go with it.

"Since morning, I have earned a profit of about Rwf40,000 from the sale of eight Christmas trees. Some trees are priced at Rwf10,000, others Rwf30,000 depending on the size,” she said.

"I will have a good time with my family and we will share joy on Christmas as I have the money to celebrate the day.”

In a business, one has to be strategic, she says to explain the decision to switch from handbags to Christmas trees.

Indeed, both dealers and sellers contend that those Christmas trees and children’s items constitute a true celebration of Christmas.

"Other products are not a priority. Even as the beginning of the academic year has been pushed, parents are spending money sparingly lest their children might lack school fees,” a shopper in downtown said.

"I am purchasing mostly children’s gifts like clothes, toys and balls,” said Jane Umurerwa, who was found shopping at Nakumatt Supermarket, adding that they have already bought food for Christmas.

Clementine Nyirabagwiza, who was hawking sweets in Quartier Commerciale, said she was earned more money from Christmas shoppers.

"Indian traders are selling us chocolates at lower prices, and we are retailing them cheaply, hence making some profits given that there are so many buyers,” she said.

Some dealers said unlike during previous seasons, prices did not soar this year.

"Basmati Rice remains at Rwf1,500 per kilogramme, Pakistan Rice is Rwf800 and a five litre jellycan of Golden Cooking Oil is Rwf5,000,” said Sibomana, a who operates a stand at Kigali City Market.

Supermarket crowded

At T2000 Supermarket, there was an influx of buyers. Here, also on high demand were Christmas trees, with their decorations, wax papers for wrapping presents, toys for children, flowers, photo frames and beverages dominated the purchase.

A long queue was seen near the tills as dozens of shoppers impatiently waited to pay for the groceries they had picked at the supermarket, which is known for being pocket-friendly.

"I cannot tell how much we have made so far in terms of figures, but as you see, clients are very many compared to ordinary days,” said Yusuf Serumogo, a sales agent at T2000 Supermarket.

"I am happy with Christmas and this father,” said Anique Sheja, with a smile as she cuddled a model of Santa Clause (‘Father Christmas’) as she accompanied her mother during shopping.

Mothers say Christmas makes kids happier and they have to make them enjoy it, hence a need to buy them stuff they like as it is mostly for them.

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