Mbale's retail business staggers

MBALE

SHOPPING from supermarkets is increasingly becoming a way of life but not so for Mbale town. Many customers have shunned local supermarkets because of high prices.

Mr Harshim Kalule, a local businessman attributed the high prices to extra charge levied on the well packaged items on supermarkets shelves.

"In fact most people here prefer buying all their items in the local traditional retail and whole sale shops and markets to buying them in modern Super markets," he said.

"It is difficult to differentiate between a wholesale shop and retail shop because whereas you are lining up to buy your goods for the supermarket at wholesale shop, the consumer is also lining up at the same shop to buy at retail for his consumption and this makes it difficult for Super market business to grow."

Peter Wadulo, a local businessman in Mbale says that when Super markets are beginning, they give discount and even promise to reduce their commodities further but that after a short time the prices hike.

Some of the leading Super markets include; Patel, Happy, Elgon, Sumi, Janam, Onkar, Karibu, Mase, New Shangai, Rajvee, Raj and Republic Super markets all owned by the Indians.

Ms Patience Nabukwasi a business lady in Mbale said most people consider supermarkets to be for the elite.