The hamper business is one that is dominant during the Christmas season. Many people cash in big selling them because they are regarded as the ideal Christmas gifts.
But what happens to the hampers when they are not all sold?
The business has yet again picked up during this Christmas period. In Ghana, it has become customary for private firms, government departments and individuals to send elaborate gift baskets, in the form of hampers, to business colleagues and contacts. They are also gifted to loved ones, friends and family during this period.
Checks by Citi News revealed that some hampers can be as costly as GHS2000. Some contain items such as wine, chocolate, clothes, watches, shopping vouchers just to name a few items. A hamper containing a drink, oil and a pack of biscuits can be sold for GHS50.
However, when the Christmas season is over, what will become of the unsold hampers?
Madame Alice Oduro who owns a shop at the Mallam Atta market also sells hampers every year during the Christmas period which sometimes don’t get sold out.
She spoke to Citi Business News and said for this year, she will only package and sell hampers on orders in order not to have any leftovers.
“I have been selling hampers here at my shop for several years. In previous years, I always have some of the hampers left so for this year I will only make hampers when I get orders. I just leave one out on display to attract people to let them know that I have hampers available,” she said.
Madam Sarah on the other hand told Citi Business News, she still packages her hampers in bulk and is hopeful of selling them all off.
“I have never had any hampers left over, and I don’t believe this year will be any different but in the case I do have any leftover I will keep selling them throughout the month of January and if necessary I will keep and sell them for Valentine’s Day”.
Michael Osei another shop attendant also told Citi Business News that all leftover hampers will be unpacked, but items like chocolate and wine will be kept and repackaged for Valentine hampers.
“Like we always do, all unsold hampers will be opened and the items put back on the shelves of the shop to be sold. The chocolate and wines will, however, be kept and put in new hampers for Valentine’s Day”.