Christmas and New Year’s festive season are around the corner and, traditionally, this has been one of the periods when many people do a lot of targeted shopping.

During the annual festive season, most believers in Christ love to buy new items for themselves and maybe for the extended family and friends. It is the single period when the highest number of presents is exchanged among the Christian family worldwide, and in Rwanda, in particular. Besides, it’s a season when people think they should replenish their wardrobes, buy gifts for loved ones or take an adventurous-trip together. That’s spreading the festive season (read Christmas) cheer as it is known in this era.

Business Times talked to some people around Kigali who shared their opinions and experience with Christmas shopping.

Christine Mutesi, a resident of Kibagabaga town, believes in shopping during the festive season, mainly as a family ritual and also as a way to embrace Christmas and the New Year’s spirit. She shares her experience on festive shopping.

"We have a savings scheme where every member of the family contributes to the financial basket from the beginning of the year so as to accumulate enough money for the festive season shopping,” says the mother of three.

Mutesi adds that this savings culture has always made their shopping fascinating, noting that the annual shopping spree potentially contributes to Christmas season happiness,” she explains.

On the side of buyers

Nevertheless, all the people surveyed say Christmas season shopping is fun when one has saved and planned for it. But things seem to be looking good already as non of the customers interviewed by Business Times at different city shopping malls was complaining about high prices (as it has always been the case in the previous years).

Joyce Mukamurenzi, a shopper at 2000 Supermarket in the city centre, said she was happy the prices of different items were still affordable, noting that her budget won’t be stretched.

"I have visited different malls to compare prices before doing my shopping, and I am happy with the prices this year. I think this year’s prices are affordable for majority of Rwandan Christians. Besides, some stores are offering big discounts on products that could entice one to buy more than they had planned,” she explains.

Discounts galore

Retailers interviewed by Business Times, said discount offerings on different products had improved their sales this year, adding that there was a general fall in prices over the year compared to the past years.

Patrick Nezeyimana, a wholesale businessman at Kigali’s commercial district, commonly known as Quartier Matheus, attributes the low prices to reduction in the cost of imports. "Some of our suppliers sold us products at a ‘sizeable’ discount, which enables us to offer our clients a reasonable discount. That’s the festive season spirit that encourages shopping as clients pass on word about good prices, which helps boost our sales,” he says.  

However, prices of some items like the proverbial Christmas trees, a product which is always widely sought after during the festive season, was high.

According to dealers at the shopping malls visited, the prices of high quality Christmas trees increased up to 2.5 per cent. According prices at 2000 Supermarket, a big Christmas tree costs about Rwf75,000 compared to Rwf55,000 last year. Small ones are at between Rwf25,000 to rwf50,000 each. The price could be higher in big retail chains like Nakumatt.

Importers of Christmas trees say, the prices of the product were high on the international market, leading to the high price on the local markets. However, whatever the price, this won’t dampen the spirit of Christians who believe and celebrate the birth of the savior, Christ Jesus.