Abacha Market Traders Face Slow Sales Ahead of School Reopening

Traders at Abacha Market in the eastern part of Freetown are raising concerns over low sales as the back-to-school season begins.
Each year, the weeks leading up to school reopening usually bring increased activity for market sellers, especially those dealing in school items. But this year, traders say things are not going as expected.
Many sellers report that sales have been especially slow, with school items like bags, books, shoes, and uniforms remaining unsold from morning till evening. They say customers are not coming in large numbers, and those who do often cannot afford the prices.
Traders also mentioned that the prices of goods have gone up compared to last year. This has made it harder for them to stock their shops with enough items and has also affected buyers who are struggling to meet the cost of preparing their children for school.