Promotional Sales: Variety Buzzes Markets

S prawling open-air markets in­ cluding Mokolo, Acacia, Mvog- Mbi to specialized commercial avenues such as the 20th May Bou­ levard, varied super markets, amongst others, have been buoyant with pro­ motional sales. According to a recent communique published by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atan­ gana the Government’s special back- to-school trade fair that began on June 22 through September 30, is meant to cushion the impact of rising living costs, through price cuts, offe­ ring discounts ranging from 5 percent to 3 per cent on books, uniforms, stationary, consumables, and everyday essentials. Rice and Vegetable Oil As two fundamental anchors of Ca­ meroonian kitchens, large bags of imported and local rice alongside multi-liter containers of refined ve­ getable oil dominate the fairgrounds. Wholesalers have slashed prices on 50 kg bags of rice down to between FCFA 17,000 to FCFA 20,000, down from standard rates near FCFA 25,000, while one-liter of cooking oil bottles are selling for between FCFA 1,100 to FCFA 1,300. Pasta Busy stalls offering vibrant multi- packs of spaghetti and macaroni are attracting long queues. Sold in bundled packs of five 500g bags for FCFA 2,000 to FCFA 2,200, pasta remains one of the most affordable and quick- to-prepare dinner options for urban families looking for value. Breakfast Items From the entrance aisles of promo­ tional grounds, light food including beverages, eggs, and assorted teas, staples are getting a welcome price drop. Full crates of 30 eggs are mar­ ked down to FCFA 2,100, large 900g tins of powdered milk go for FCFA 4,200, and boxes of local green, black teas, and cocoa powder are sold for FCFA 1,500. This according to Tonlell Corneille allows households to stock their breakfast tables with relative ease. Perishables Temporary cold-storage facilities and butcher displays are bringing fresh protein such as beef, pork, and chicken to the p...