Aotele Savelio, 50, Nofoali’i and Sanapu

I have spent $300-plus on my shopping as well as preparations for the children in buying their clothes, shoes and food as well. The prices continue to rise for White Sunday goods here in Samoa.

Danira Va’a, 29, Nofoali’i

I always try to support my family through my small business of street vending of pineapple salad and fried chicken. The total amount of money that Danira makes for one cooler of pineapple salad or fried chicken sold in a day is around $300. I will probably spend $400 on my five children’s shopping for White Sunday as I usually sell two coolers in a day. This economy that we are living in today is very expensive. If I go with $100 to the shop, it is like holding $10 as I can only buy either two dresses or pair of shoes. That is how expensive it is right now. 

Ina Matalavea, 29, Tafa’igata

For me personally, it is very expensive nowadays. I can say both the girls and boys clothes are very costly. Even for one pair of shoes, it is more than $20 as they can use it for every Sunday and not just one day. I think the taxes are the problem with this economy, we pay a lot for healthy and good quality imports. Going back to food and clothing, everything is expensive as well. Even going by bus, it costs me $2 to travel from town to where I live but it is just close by. If I look for a cheap dress for my 10 year-old daughter, it would probably be below $100 worth. It is not for show, but at least people can see that my children are wearing something new for that just one day.

Masi Kirisone, 30, Fasito’o

My point of view is that the costs of living these days is very expensive, in comparison to what we receive in our paychecks. White Sunday food and clothes shopping is quite expensive, so I always try to budget my money wisely so that I will also have enough to keep me going for the week that comes after.

Osamu Faleu, 21, Leauva’a

The way I see it, I can afford to buy all of my little nephews and nieces' brand new whites to wear with my paycheck as the prices that I know for white Sunday clothes are around $20 to $40 and will not reach $50.