Trading is trending in the streets of Krugersdorp

It seems that more and more traders are targeting Krugersdorp and surrounding areas to operate and run their businesses.

In the Krugersdorp CBD alone, there are countless traders who sell everyday products and necessities to the public. But what is different about them is their business style and their approach to their customers.

“Recently I had an opportunity to hear the views, aspirations and even concerns of ‘our friends’, as they are mostly referred to by the community members who buy from them on a daily basis,” said the News’ cadet journalist, Bathabile Msomi.

Three Bangladeshi-born traders, Jahirulislam Shakil, Khorshed Alom and Akahh Mahfuz, run different businesses in the area. Shakil, as he is popularly known, came to Krugersdorp several years ago after he was transferred from Boksburg by his then employer. He acquired his business acumen in his home country when he completed his Grade 12 education and studied accounting. Akahh and Khorshed, who both grew up in business, have a slightly different point of view, saying that the ability to sell is a generational thing that runs in their veins, and to them it came naturally.

In this highly competitive industry, sacrifices always have to be made to stay in business and keep customers.

“We try to keep the prices low (sometimes too low) and we re-package goods into smaller-sized packages, so that more people can afford them,” said store manager, Khorshed.

This proves to be the winning method as the other traders agree.

When asked about the sensitive subject of xenophobia and the possibility of the attacks resuming in the future, Shakil said “It happens, that is part of life, you cannot just be scared thinking about it, if it happens it happens”.

These young businessmen dream of growing their enterprises and becoming prominent businessmen within the community.

“I hope to see the business grow and produce other branches in other areas. When we (referring to his co-workers as they are a close team) arrive in a new area, we first look at it and the needs of the community, then decide on what to sell,” said Akahh, an assistant manager in a shop based in Krugersdorp West.

All these store managers cite the high level of competition and people who steal from their shops as the worst things about their business. Each one has a different idea about the best things in their business, which makes them smile. For Shakil, money is the one thing that he really likes in the business, and he said it is the most important thing in life.

“When the business is booming and has many customers, I like that, because on such busy days you never get bored and it is easy to make a lot of friends and make customers happy with good service and shared jokes,” said Khorshed.

Furthermore, he said they love what they do because their employees trust them. They are a versatile team because they all know the till, serve and interact with customers, pack merchandise, and rely on each other.

These are important skills in running a good business, no matter which line of work you are in because, as they say, together everyone achieves more.

Read more here

Top achievers in Tourism awarded

The top achievers in Business Achievers Awards