Shopping in traditional markets

Shopping in traditional markets

From Kompas

The media recently reported that hypermarkets constituted a
threat to retail traders and traditional markets.

Actually it is not the hypermarkets which threaten retailers
and traditional markets. What is the decisive factor is the
comfort of the places and the prices. Housewives certainly know
the prices of most daily commodities.

It would be impossible to marginalize traditional markets if
they were properly managed. There is enjoyment in going to a
traditional market because there is the possibility of bargaining
and personally knowing the traders, who are kind and polite.
Besides, fruit and vegetables are cheaper than in supermarkets.

What makes people reluctant to go to traditional markets is
that they are dirty, crowded and sometimes muddy. Worse, the
corridors in markets are partly taken over by traders, thereby
creating bottlenecks. The market management allows this condition
and customers are inconvenienced by the narrow passages and are
often the victim of pickpockets.

Another factor to the detriment of traditional markets is the
illegal traders on sidewalks around markets. They obstruct
customers trying to go to a kiosk.

I propose assessments of traditional markets and their
managements be held once a year, with those failing evaluation to
be dismissed or removed. Evaluation should be in the hands of
community members who fill out forms. The names and numbers of
dirty kiosks should be announced so they will better observe
cleanliness.

MRS. S. KARYADI

Bogor, West Java