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