An outspoken Samoan businesswoman, Moe Lei Sam, has offered a simple solution for market vendors who are struggling with the lack of sales.

“They complain about their losses but if you go and have a look at the prizes of their fruits and whatever they’re selling, it’s so expensive," she said. "The simple solution then is to drop the prices and people will come."

Ms. Lei Sam was responding to claims from the vendors that they are struggling. 

Some claimed other markets at Vaitele, Saleimoa and the Taufusi drive-through market have had a huge impact on them.

They also cited the growing number of roadside stalls.

A fruit vendor, Lomeo Seva, said this has been a problem for a while but it is getting worse.

“Ever since the other markets were established here and there, I barely get customers," he said.

Other vendors at the Fugalei market share similar challenges.

However, Mrs. Lei Sam believes they need to change their prices.

“They should put down the prizes, that’s why the customers are gone.”

She said some small bananas that look like they shouldn't be sold remain ridiculously expensive. The same goes for green coconuts which are costing $3 tala at the market. 

“Look at the cost of the coconuts," Ms. Lei Sam said, "it’s either $3 or $4. Do you blame why people don’t buy their things?”

Ms. Lei Sam said vendors pay $10 a day for rent.

“All they need to do is put down the prizes of their fruits then they will have more customers."