Divisoria vendors hope for higher sales as Christmas nears

Several vendors in Divisoria are hoping for higher sales as Christmas fast approaches. 

In Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras” Monday, Edralyn Cruz shared that she has not yet achieved her expected sales for the first day of December despite her store being open for 24 hours.

“Ngayong pong one, umaasa po kami na magkakabilihan, pero ‘yung tao kasi naglalakad lang po talaga. Hindi sila talaga katulad ng dati na bumibili. Wala pa yatang bonus,” she said.

Nestor Villamin, a curtain vendor, shared the same observation. 

“Masakit po ngayon eh mas mabigat po ang bentahan kaysa noong nakaraan. Kasi gawa ng bagyo eh tsaka sakuna, kaya medyo ‘yung mga tao ngayon, nagtitipid. Tao lang po marami, ‘yung namimili po wala,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Rosalie Pajarez, a clothes vendor, has noticed an increase in buyers, although it is still far from what they experienced last year.

“Mas maganda pa po sa last year kesa ngayon. Kasi last year, parang 'di ka makakaraan [sa dami ng tao]. Masikip ‘yung daanan. Ngayon medyo lumuwag-luwag pero mas OK ngayon kesa mga nakaraang buwan," she said. 

Per Tima's report, some buyers headed to Divisoria to buy essentials, sharing that they would shop for gifts when Christmas is closer and once they have enough money set aside.

“Kung ano lang po 'yung nakita kong kailangan. 'Yun lang po. Nagka-canvass din po ako ng pangtinda,” Anne Dela Pena said.

As more buyers are expected to flock to Divisoria, the Manila City Hall's Department of Public Services said preparations are underway to maintain the cleanliness in the area. 

“After ng night market papasok na po ang city government as early as 4, 5 a.m. Linis, kasama na rin po ‘yan, pinaliliguan na rin po ‘yan. Pina-flushing, sinasabon para po hindi bumaho ‘yung lugar sa everyday na nagtitinda,” said Director Kenneth Amurao.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News