Traders Decry Low-Profit Margins

Nakuru

Thursday, November 9, 2023

KNA by Anne Sasbuni/ Eddah Khayanga

Small-scale traders in Nakuru’s Langalanga estate have decried low-profit margins as consumers continue to dodge high-end products to beat the high cost of living.

The traders blamed the high cost of living being experienced all over our country, on the near zero profit ventures, arguing that any attempts to pass the burden to the consumer are met by rejection of products or substitution to cheaper, substandard ones.

The traders said they have been forced to go the extra mile and sell even at no profits, so that they can accommodate their customers while avoiding the expiration of the commodities.

 “It has been hard for us sellers to make any meaningful profits as the situation worsens by day. A customer wants to buy something but objects to the price of the commodity. Most of them end up complaining or even not buying the product,” said Kevin Murunga a shopkeeper.

Long queues continue to characterize wholesale outlets like Bargains and Gilanis supermarkets, as traders seek subsidies to afford them profits to cushion their businesses.

“As prices of fuel escalate, the prices of commodities will continue going up. I no longer stock medicated soaps and other premium products as they take long to be sold and therefore end up eating into my stocks,” noted Murunga.

The situation was similar at Nakuru’s Wakulima Market as traders opted to stock less fruits and horticultural products due to their short shelf-life.

“Compared to the old days when the economy was good, we would buy oranges and stock in bulk, knowing that they would be cleared in a short while. We now have to pool resources and jointly buy to afford a fair price and profits,” noted Jane Muthoni.

The Nakuru County small-scale retailers, said they will try and bare-with every situation that will come their way because “at the end of the day it is our country and we have to survive.”

Courtesy; KNA