Festive Season: South West Retailers Stream into Douala to Stock Up, Cite Bad Roads as Major Challenge

By Synthia Lateu

With large bags carefully held, Clinton Tabe weaves through the crowd at the Douche Municipal Market in Douala. A retailer from Buea, he has travelled to Cameroon’s economic capital to stock up on Christmas decoration items ahead of the festive season. He took advantage of the Monday ghost town to make his purchases.

“Goods are cheaper here, even though the economy is very difficult. We are just managing,” says Clinton, who has spent seven years in the business, explaining why he chose to shop in Douala.

Across the market, one of the largest in Cameroon bulk buyers from different parts of the country, and even beyond, are seen carrying heavy bags as they search for affordable goods.

“Prices here are slightly cheaper than in other places,” says retailer Fokou Thierry from Kumba.

Businessmen and women buying shoes, household items and clothing say while the prices of some goods have increased, others have remained relatively stable. However, they regret that poor road conditions linking their towns to Douala are making business increasingly difficult.

“The delays before we reach the market are a big problem,” says Limbe-based retailer Anchi Solange. She also decries rising prices, noting that goods are not being imported as regularly as before, leading to limited footwear styles.

At wholesale shops across the economic capital, activity is intense as traders struggle to meet the growing demand from bulk buyers. Wholesalers say sourcing goods from manufacturers abroad has become one of their biggest challenges, a situation they partly attribute to the post-electoral crisis.

“Some goods arrived late, customs charges are high, and others have not arrived at all,” explains wholesaler Kombi Kochette. She adds that buyers from the Anglophone regions, who usually arrive earlier, came late this year, making competition tougher.

Despite the challenges, bulk buyers continue to brave the odds in a bid to earn a living while helping to create a festive atmosphere in their communities. Still, they share a common concern – whether they will be able to sell all their stock before the Christmas season comes to an end