Traders are already rushing for supplies in markets, and big shops in Akwa and Douche.

It is Christmas season and most shops in the port city of Douala have received their first consignments of toys from overseas suppliers. Though the feast of nativity will be celebrated in about 35 days, traders in toy are not leaving any stone unturned. They cue in front of shops owned by Chinese to either place their orders or buy what is available.

In one of the Chinese shops in Akwa, a trader Lidia Ntem, who travelled from Mbanga in the Moungo Division to buy toys, disclosed that it is the right time to rouse parent’s attention before the peak period when most parents rush just for dresses. “I know exactly what type of toys to buy since I have been in the business for six years,” she poised. A battery-driven helicopter, jeep, robot and an electric-driven piano and guitar are ideal for boys while girls cherish dancing or talking dolls and barbecue grill sets.

In the Mboppi market and in some Chinese-owned shops in Akwa and Douche, a talking and dancing doll is sold between FCFA 2,000 and FCFA 9,000 depending on the quality while remote control toy cars range between FCFA 2,500 and FCFA 6,000 depending on the sizes and quality. However, profit in toy business depends on how attractive the toy is. A dancing doll will catch the attention of girls more than a talking pig while a moving jet will exert a pull on boys more than a galloping horse.

While some shops are busy parking new stocks in their warehouses, others are struggling to get rid of old stock by carrying out promotional sales. A bicycle priced at FCFA 45,000 last year, is now given for FCFA 35,000 in order to place more attractive stocks that will entice customers. According to a shop attendant in one of the Chinese-owned shops in Akwa, shopping before the beginning of December is better because articles are not only cheaper but customers also have enough time to select the best.