Traders at Abacha Market in the eastern part of Freetown are raising concerns over low sales as the back-to-school season begins.

Each year, the weeks leading up to school reopening usually bring increased activity for market sellers, especially those dealing in school items. But this year, traders say things are not going as expected.

Many sellers report that sales have been especially slow, with school items like bags, books, shoes, and uniforms remaining unsold from morning till evening. They say customers are not coming in large numbers, and those who do often cannot afford the prices.

Traders also mentioned that the prices of goods have gone up compared to last year. This has made it harder for them to stock their shops with enough items and has also affected buyers who are struggling to meet the cost of preparing their children for school.

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The situation has affected the traders’ daily earnings. Some say they are unable to make back the money they’ve already spent on goods. Many are now hoping that things will pick up as the school reopening date gets closer.

Abacha Market is one of the busiest markets in the city and is usually filled with activity, especially during the back-to-school period. But this time, the energy is different. The stalls are open, and the traders are present, but the movement of goods is slow, and the worry is growing.

Some traders are calling on the government to step in and help ease the pressure on local markets, especially with the rising cost of goods. They say that support is needed to help them stay in business and continue providing school materials at affordable prices.

Despite the challenges, the traders continue to show up each day, hoping for better days ahead and preparing for any last-minute rush as schools prepare to reopen across the country.