Outdoor sales fees in Nadi Town have been significantly reduced for the festive period, a move expected to boost Christmas and New Year trading as foot traffic continues to rise across the municipality.
President of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence Kumar told fijivillage News that following negotiations with the Nadi Town Council, daily outdoor sales fees have been reduced from $73 to $30.
Kumar says the reduced rate is effective from December 22 to January 3, providing relief for businesses during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.
Kumar says the decision comes amid a noticeable increase in shoppers in Nadi Town, Namaka and surrounding areas, with both locals and visitors taking advantage of festive promotions and discounts.
He says businesses are optimistic that sales this Christmas and New Year period will surpass those recorded in 2024, driven by heightened consumer activity and strong visitor numbers.
Kumar says many businesses began preparing months in advance, with planning for staffing and stock levels starting as early as July and August to ensure they could meet the anticipated demand during the peak season.
He acknowledges that labour shortages remain a concern across all sectors, noting that global migration trends have affected workforce availability not only in Fiji but worldwide.
Kumar says migrant workers from countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines and India have helped fill gaps in both general and technical roles, allowing businesses to continue operating efficiently.
He stresses that managing the balance between catering for tourists and meeting the needs of local shoppers is not new for Nadi, which has long been a major tourism hub.
