Holiday rush seen to come in later, shorter this year

DEMAND for consumer goods, which usually spikes during the holiday season, is seen to be shorter this year versus other years, according to Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc. (Pagasa).

“The difference between this year and other years is the rush is more last-minute and it’s going to be a faster rush because sandali lang (it will be short),” Pagasa President Steven T. Cua said in an interview with ����ý Live.

Mr. Cua based his expectations on consumers spending the money that comes in immediately while waiting for their 13^th-month pay, subsidies, and foreign remittances from family members abroad.

“Once [the money] comes, I’m sure it goes out. So, money’s going to circulate very quickly in the last few days,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cua said that sales and foot traffic in malls and supermarkets have been picking up.

“Yes, you can feel the Christmas rush … Traffic is the first thing which indicates whether there’s a rush or none,” he said.

Consumers may expect small to no more price increases left for the holidays, said Mr. Cua.

“Medyo wala ng (there would be no more) increases … If there’s a spike in prices of goods, it’s because regular suppliers cannot supply anymore because of traffic, because of lack of supply, because they have been distributed,” he added.

According to Mr. Cua, because of the lack of supply, some retailers will have to buy from wholesalers, which could increase cost acquisition and prices on the shelves.

“That’s the reason why prices go up during Christmas, not because retailers want to take advantage of the season,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile