<B> How do you assess your sales during the current festive days? </B>

Generally speaking, people spend a lot for Christmas. This year has been no exception. The consumption pattern has changed though as compared to previous years. People are spending less on luxury goods and toys. There has been a lot of spending on foodstuff and beverages. As far as end of year sales are concerned, we must wait a few more days before we can have a guess about whether or not this trend is being maintained.

Mauritians love celebrations. They will consume more in the days to come. Many people have not yet received their monthly salary. It remains to be seen if they will be buying more up-market goods for their end of year purchases.

<B> Is it true that local brands are being chosen rather than imported products because of the diminishing purchasing power of the Mauritian consumer? </B>

Local products have been enjoying good sales. A lot of them are already established brands. People have been buying these goods for some time now. Some are already household names among the Mauritian public. We have seen a slight increase in their consumption in recent days, but there is nothing that suggests a sizeable affinity that we can impute to this particular season.

<B> What about the rivalry among retailers? Have you experienced higher competition this year compared to previous years? </B>

Nowadays, we have much more competition than we had before. All the retailers and retailing chains are trying to woo purchasers with all possible means. We have to invest heavily in advertising and in other promotional efforts. We must also spend a lot on achieving a higher level of service. People can choose among a lot of offers. It is hard to keep them. If they are not satisfied with your product range, prices and service, they will leave you. We have to offer a wide range of promotions so that people keep coming to us.