By Foibe Paavo
Swakopmund, Aug. 30 — Venders at Swakopmund Open Craft market are happy to be relocated as their market undergoes renovations.
Many of the vendors believe that selling on the open roadside gives them a lot of exposure and they have realised a significant increase in customers and profits during the past few days since the relocation.
They say many people were not aware of their existence and their wonderful handmade products with a wide variety of selections as they felt their usual open marketplace is hidden behind Strand Hotel.
At this specific open market, individuals sell African prints and many other different African-themed products ranging from bowls, crafted animals, stools and many other handmade products, made by African people – in Africa.
“Now cars passing by or residents strolling around can see us and stop to gaze through our different selections and then end up buying our products.”
Although competition is very high in the market, nobody really feels left out when customers drop by, as many customers now end up marvelling around the entire marketplace.
One of the vendors said that, when something doesn’t give you any competition, it’s not really worth it.
He added that one just needs to know how to market themselves and how to negotiate with customers.
“We are grateful though, to the Swakopmund municipality, for always supporting us,” the vendor said.
