Change Model, Be Price Sensitive, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum Urges Retailers

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called for retailers to change their business model and be price sensitive.

He was speaking at the networking cocktail event organised by the Suva Retailers Association at Holiday Inn Suva on Monday.

As Fiji’s economy begins to churn into the post-pandemic world Mr Sayed-Khaiyum asked: “What do we want?"

“Do we want a share of the market or do we want to make a killing on each sale?"

“If you want longevity, if you want durability in your business, you have to think for the long-term. These are critically important."

“When tourists come to Fiji, some of you may have shops in Nadi or you may have shops in Lautoka, what type of price ranges are you offering to the tourists who want to do retail purchase?"

“It’s very, very important to understand that.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum earlier alluded tourist’s judgment call on holiday destination considering the added COVID-19 test costs in terms of pre-departure, quarantine and returning.

“So if I’m sitting down (the tourist) and planning and I’m looking at the rates being offered in Fiji, looking at the PCR tests, looking at the room rates, looking at the price of food and beverage in Fiji, and then I have Vietnam, or Phuket or Langkawi or Bali, offering me pricing that perhaps a lot more cheaper than Fiji guess where I’ll go to?”

Suva Retailers

In response, association president Jitesh Patel acknowledged the push adding that retailers were supportive and already onboard with this.

“It is a fair comment. Suva is open for business and retailers are already in that mode,” he said.

And to remain open for business, Mr Patel additionally urged retailers to adhere to COVID-safe protocol.

The event also included representatives from the private sector, health officials, Government and agency top representatives.

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