He said they also stopped selling fireworks and firecrackers due to “the hassle of securing permits.”
The grocery manager, who declined to be identified, said even grocery items on sale “seem less appealing to customers this holiday season” compared to their sales in the previous years.
He did not mention any figures.
He noted, however, that a decrease in guest worker population is the main reason why store holiday sales “are not that good this year.”
Managers of some other stores on Saipan said they also had more customers and better profits last year.
One of these stores, Sunleader, which has branches in San Antonio and Garapan,, is selling firecrackers and fireworks for New Year.
One of its staff members is hoping that customers will buy their products.
“We will sell them until Jan. 6,” he said.
