Zimbabwe retailers have expressed optimism that they will make brisk business this Easter holiday despite the country's subdued economy and lack of disposable income in many households.
Representatives of departmental stores and shops selling Easter goodies in Bulawayo and Harare told VOA Thursday that buyers are snapping up Easter eggs and other groceries in preparation for the holidays starting Friday.
They were cautious though that most families are not going to spend a lot of money as some companies are shutting down in some cities and others are paying wages far below the breadline of over $530 a month.
Easter is regarded as the second most important holiday in Zimbabwe after Christmas.
Percy Mcijo of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions said this year’s Easter holidays are disastrous as companies are failing to pay workers.
“People’s pockets have been hit hard by company closures and lack of income to boost production in factories,” said Mcijo.