HANDICRAFT vendors at the Labasa Market are expecting a boost in business operations with the festive season approaching.
Vito Seruiratu, who has been in the business for over a decade, said business thrived because special occasions like weddings, birthdays and Christmas to name a few were usually organised by the iTaukei during this season.
Mrs Seruiratu said the new cane crushing season this year had also seen to an improvement in their business.
"We are experiencing a boost in business because people will buy our items for special occasions lined up during the season," Mrs Seruiratu said.
"This has always been a practice in the past where our items are sold out because of the high demand from the people."
She said the vendors had their own suppliers who provided them with mats, masi, baskets, belts and earrings made from kuta.
"Sometimes, people who want to sell their items call us where we buy from them and sell it to our customers later at reasonable prices," she said. "The money we receive from here is more than what some civil servants receive in a fortnight and we are happy to operate such a business."
For vendor, Silina Katolaveti, she said being in the business for only five months had been a blessing for her. "I used to sell root crops, fruits and vegetables but with this business, I am able to earn a lot in a day," Mrs Katolaveti said.
"Right now, I am happy with my business because my products keep selling like hot cake, something I had never experienced all my life."
Being a newcomer in such businesses, Mrs Katolaveti said she had looked forward to the upcoming season to experience an improvement in business.