Home-based businesses that are unable to afford commercial rent now have a choice to showcase their products at designated outlets in a busy section of the capital city.

It follows the recent soft opening of the Suva Flea Market, at Rodwell Road, Suva, where small and medium businesses are capitalising on the free rent set-up for December.

The news comes as Kelton Investments Pte Ltd announced its plans to open a flea market in Lautoka, next month.

Featuring 160 shops, the floor spaces are bigger than the previous model, but the rent remains the same, said director Anthony Ah Koy said.

Since the business centre opened in recent weeks, 20-odd businesses have taken up tenancy, he said.

Of the 160 shops, 90 are container models, while 70 are proper stores, Mr Ah Koy said.

Pacifique Artisans Collections
Eight designated artisan shops that will be set aside for home-based businesses.

The goods will be displayed at a consignment rate, Mr Ah Koy said.

He highlighted:
– Two shops will be dedicated to the local fashion industry, which will display local creation for home-based designers who are unable to afford commercial rent,

– Two shops will be for allocated for home-based food vendors,

– One shop will be musicians,

– One shop for cosmetics, and

– One shop will be for artists.

The Suva Flea Market opened its gates last week at Rodwell Road, on December 9, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

Social business
“Those eight shops are like a social business rented out to us to feature the Pacifique Artisans Collections,” Mr Ah Koy said.

“We’re offering tenants an upgrade to a classier format.

“We didn’t want to miss out on the Christmas festivities.”

A proper opening will be held next year, he said.

Coming out of a pandemic
The Suva Flea Market burnt to the ground in May, 2020, destroying stock valued in excess of $500,000.

The newly built flea market, which is a step up with interior décor and finer fittings, was rebuilt at an undisclosed sum.

The original flea market was a tribute to his late month.

“The flea market was my late mother’s initiative,” Mr Ah Koy said.

“I dare not replace that building.

“She wanted those buildings for small and medium entrepreneurs.”

The Suva flea market is a tribute to Mr Ah Koy’s Lauan side.

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