More Than 400 Shops Closed in Two Months

At Quatre-Bornes, Mayor Danen Beemadoo says that in two months, 82 shops have been closed. And for the full year 2013 were 300 stores have put the key under the mat.

Port-Louis either has not been alone withthis phenomenon. 82 businesses have closed their doors. Among these, signs located Kinoo Square and Le Voyageur . Six stores this brand clothing had to put the key under the doormat, undermined by competition from street vendors.There is only one showroom in Triolet.

All types of businesses involved

Similarly, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, store closings are more numerous this year, 124 since January. "This applies to all types of businesses: shops, stores ready-to-wear or even hair salons " , highlights the mayor, Rasheed Daureeawoo.

And a hundred stores have dropped the curtain Vacoas during the same period. Curepipe, if we do not have official figures, Appadu Raj, president of the Common Front traders Mauritius (FCCM), indicates that thirty stores have already closed, including a dozen around the Arcades Salaffa. "I can also say that least 15 other stores in Curepipe plan to no longer operate in no time " , he said.

According to a former mayor, several small businesses close their doors without the state's knowledge. This is particularly the case for small workshops bicycles or small family business."It is also noteworthy that although the shops close, others continue to open their doors , "he says.

Wider choice

Interrogated Clensy Appavou, accountant and consultant to many small and medium enterprises, said that several possible explanations to this phenomenon. "First there was a contraction in demand " , he says. He further explains that the middle class has a wide diversity of shopping. "People of the middle class travel a lot and do not hesitate not to make their purchases in countries like Dubai or Singapore, even twice a year . "

The accountant continues when demand contracts, small businesses are the first to suffer. "It is very difficult for them to have access to bank financing. To qualify, they must give huge guarantees, "he said. Besides the fierce competition does not help matters.

This is not so much the economic crisis "competition unfair merchant street " that threatens businesses, insists Raj Appadu. FCCM President denounces the fact that the state "not to" solve this problem and does not support the traders.

"The price of renting buildings varies and is more expensive. Why not legislate and offer affordable prices to traders? The State does not give us incentive, "he says. He added that the government would do better to encourage legal trade instead of contributing to their closure.