A rough ride ahead say local businesses

THE CHRONICLE asked local business owners how they believe South Africa’s junk status will affect their businesses.

Dimitri Papadakis, co-owner of Turn ‘n Tender, Comaro View Shopping Centre, Bassonia, said: “Whether it is families and business people popping in for quick lunches or long family dinners, everyone is worried about their financial futures. The sentiment of consumers is very negative and this manifests itself through business volumes dropping. Customers we used to see every week, only come around every two weeks now. We have seen less people, on average, this year compared to last year.

“Customers are opting to delay their luxury purchases and opt more for the cheaper, no-frills purchases instead. Our consumers are adjusting to a new reality and it will take a bit of time for each household to understand the specific impact on their pockets.

“For the time being, however, they are very cautious and don’t easily celebrate or spoil themselves with a restaurant dinner. Our suppliers have also had to pass on higher costs. In short, business is tough at the moment.”

Tracy Sham, owner of Hair on Hythe, The Broads, Mulbarton, said: “With basic, daily living becoming more expensive, our services will become less of a necessity and more of a luxury. Yes, all businesses are being affected and in our industry people will push their visits from monthly to every two or three months. We will need to spend more time improving our services and aligning these to our customers needs. We will be running promotions. This should work as people want to save where they can.”

Clayton Ronald, owner of The Cake Away, said he’s feeling the pinch. “Customers are ordering smaller cakes, especially wedding cakes. Where customers would order two or three tier cakes, many are now going for a single tier. Generally, they are ordering plainer cakes, without too much icing decoration – it’s the décor which pushes the price up. We are always willing to accommodate our customers’ needs within their budgets and within reason. After all, what would life be without a delicious cake?”

Linda Di Blasio, owner of Italian Cheese Distributors, agrees: “The price of all imported goods will go up. We pay for imported goods as the trucks dock. With immediate affect, our prices are higher. We’ve seen this before though – customers buying less and in smaller amounts. They’ll definitely be cutting back on imported cheeses and we’ll be stocking more local varieties. Some people won’t be too badly affected while others will find it hard to make ends meet. I think we’re in for a rough ride.”

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