The rain did not stop vendors from setting up their stalls at the Malaeafatu Park on Wednesday as part of the popular TV1 White Sunday market.

The market – which mainly targets locally-owned small to medium-sized entrepreneurs – is for four days, closing at the weekend on the eve of White Sunday. 

Most of the stalls are selling children’s clothing, including children’s shoes as well as food and drinks.

Lilomaiava Fana, who owns Tapz Fashion, thanked TV1 Samoa for the market setup which he said gave them an opportunity to sell their products in a one-stop-shop arrangement.

"We are far from town and through this market, it gives us free advertising on television, because for us small business we find it really expensive,” he said.

Mr. Fana said when they saw the TV1 notice on the availability of the market, they jumped at the opportunity. 

Another entrepreneur and owner of small business California Connection, Rosemarie Vaaulu, said as a small business owner they appreciated the opportunity and the benefits that came with the four-day market.

“All small business can all come together in one place, and it will help the customer to come and shop in one place,” she said.

“My expectation is that every child boy or girl should have something to buy and that these small business owners would have earned some money by the end of today."

Mrs. Vaaulu added that most of her products are American-made, and like other sellers she is amazed with the local handmade products as she is seeing more of them going on sale.

For Ainu’u, of Head To Toes, she said they have always been a part of the market which has now become an annual programme for White Sunday. 

The first day of the market on Wednesday saw parents and their children visit the Malaeafatu Park.

Raivai Dhedaoi from Satapuala said setting up the market was a good idea as everything is located in one central area, making it easier for parents. 

“Having this programme, putting all the stores in one place makes it easy for us parents to go around and buy things in a short amount of time,'' he said.

Mr. Dhedaoi said he already bought shoes and white clothes for his children at the stalls set up at the park. 

Charlie Fetaui, of Lotopa, said shopping has never been easier with all the shops in one central location. 

“It's great to have this flea market because it makes shopping easy and fast, there is also a playground for the kids to play while parents do the shopping,” he added. 

The plan for Mr. Fetaui on White Sunday is for the family to attend church, have the family lunch, and then take the children for an ice-cream.