From bottle stores to bakeries and fashion outlets downtown, Grahamstown businesses didn't seem to be phased by all the other shops and stalls that popped up during Festival.
From bottle stores to bakeries and fashion outlets downtown, Grahamstown businesses didn't seem to be phased by all the other shops and stalls that popped up during Festival.
In fact, all the businesses that Grocott's Mail spoke to reported that they had done better than usual in the past two weeks.
"There are way more people in town which means more customers for us," said Oatlands Bakery cashier Allwina Trompetter. "We get a lot of orders from schools and other shops so our production is on the increase too."
Even businesses facing more competition from the influx of stalls selling similar products at the outdoor markets didn't have any complaints.
"There is not much competition. We have loyal customers who come back to us because they know we have good and better quality than what they will get at the street stalls of Festival," said Crytsal Rooi, Legit clothing store manager.
According to Legit's sales figures, they sold a whole lot more than last year during the National Arts Festival, even though the store didn't see a lot of traffic. "Although not a lot of people physically came in, the few that did bought a lot, which makes up for the decreased number of customers," Rooi said.
Nando's franchise manager Khaya Yozi said that during the Festival period, they brought in about R10 000 more each day than during the rest of the year. "Franchise-wise, we're the busiest in High Street, with Steers as our main competitors of course," he said.
Yozi feels the quality of their food and services are what keep customers coming back regardless of pop-up take-away alternatives like Chip n Dip, Kudu burger and shawarma stands at the markets. Yozi added that they have done better during previous Festivals though.
Grahamstown Pharmacy manager Wimpie Bosch said they also benefit greatly from Festival. Despite the loss of their usual student clientèle during the holidays, the increased business during the two weeks of Festival is very good for them.
Bosch said the weather also plays a big role. "Sales fluctuate. There was bad weather last year and not many day visitors from out of Grahamstown came through… but it's much better this year."
And not surprisingly, bottle stores flourished during the Festival. From everyday customers to pubs and bars needing their supplies, it seems everyone was trying to warm up with a drink during the cold days and nights.
Graham Bottle Store manager Jason Robertson said that regardless of places like the beer tent, pubs and clubs, many people still came into his shop during Festival.
