A SOMBRE economic atmosphere has made Zimbabwe a subdued nation. There is no celebratory mood to embrace the coming of Christmas. December used to be characterised by public gatherings and public entertainment. "Bonus" was a buzzword that used to excite many. In the current economic environment, it has since become a nostalgic word.
It appears cash-strapped Zimbabweans may have to kick off preparations for critical New Year expenses like school fees much earlier, at the expense of impending festivities. In the face of the big shifts in buying cultures, retailers have had to adjust strategies to stay in the game. But with profit margins dropping, these may not be working.
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