Sonia Soakia shopping at NewWorld IGA supermarket at the Fiji National Provident Fund plaza in Suva on April 16, 2018. Photos: Taraivini Seru
Do not be enticed by sales when out shopping so says housewife Sonia Soakia.
Originally from the Friendly Islands of Tonga, Mrs Soakia gave her word of caution as she anticipated huge sale promotions during the two weeks school holidays leading to up to Mother’s Day 2018.
“As shoppers and consumers, we need to be aware of this gimmick, and not have a lot of regrets later for buying the wrong items,” Mrs Soakia said.
“Novice shoppers will sometimes buy something they don’t need just because it’s super cheap,” she said.
“Cheap or not, there’s no use spending any amount of money on something you’ll never use. Leave the store and come back only if you’re sure you want it the next day.”
The 45-year-old housewife and mother of three shops at NewWorld IGA supermarket at the Fiji National Provident Fund plaza in Suva.
It is ritual for her to always have a budget first before she prepares her shopping list.
Mrs Soakia moved to Fiji six years ago with her family after her husband secured a job with a regional organisation based in Fiji.
“Incredible prices and a half prices signs outside stores can put shoppers to test,” she said.
“And if you’re one who’s struggling to overcome your usual shopaholic habits, you must always take your time and not rush over things.
“Before you run your errands, make a list of everything you plan to buy. The rule is that you’re not allowed to buy anything unless it’s already on your list.
“It’ll help keep your impulse shopping to a minimum.
“You can’t spend money you don’t have. Before you go out, put a small amount of cash in your wallet to cover all the purchasing you plan on doing. If the cash runs out, you’re shopping sprees done for the day,” she said.
She said “comparison shopping” was important and it helped in saving.
“Don’t be smitten when you see a price tag. For instance, if you want a new play-station (video game), don’t buy it right away. Call around to the other video game shops and wholesale retailers in your area to see who has the cheapest price, and also remember to check online,” she said.
“The silliest purchases happen when you probably shouldn’t have been shopping in the first place.
“If you and your friends are bored and looking for something to do, don’t automatically run to the mall.
“Instead, find inspiration from the list of fun, easy to make and free things to do with your friends.”
To make sure that Mrs Soakia cooks healthy meals for her family she travels to Suva to shop for their groceries at New World supermarket.
She said she trusted New World because their prices were affordable and her groceries were usually packed nicely by the staff before she headed back home.
“I enjoy shopping here because the customer service is very good, it’s very easy for me to look around the shop and find the things I need,” she said.
“Here, there are a lot of retail shops which provide different services and the services here is super good,” she said.
Ms Sokia shares her favourite Fijian dish palusami with dalo.
