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Divisoria vendors see slow holiday sales amid growing online competition

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — As December begins, among the places shoppers flock to is Divisoria in Manila to score a bargain for gifts this Christmas.Jelyn Logronio took time off work to shop for Christmas gifts in Divisoria on Tuesday, with children’s clothing on their checklist.“Para makahabol sa Christmas party ng mga bata. Mas mura. Mas maraming choices,” she said.Meanwhile, Maria, who came with her children, bought Christmas decorations. She was able to get a wreath for their door for P150.“Kahit papaano makakabit na namin. Makaka-display na… Para medyo masaya naman. Siyempre masaya kapag maraming nakikitang palamuti sa bahay,” said shopper Maria Avila.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/9/1/shoppers-flock-to-divisoria-for-early-christmas-decor-bargains-2324">Shoppers flock to Divisoria for early Christmas decor bargains</a></div>Both Jelyn and Maria opted to shop early to avoid the Christmas rush. However, store owners in Divisoria say sales at this time are slower compared to the same period last year.Divisoria vendors say that they used to compete only with nearby stalls, but now they also have to contend with online sellers.“Doon kapag umorder ka, mabilis, di na mapapagod ang buyer. Kaya lang, ang epekto kung ano lang ibigay sayo ng online selling ‘yon lang ‘yon. Di tulad sa personal na mapipili mo ‘yong gusto mo,” said stall owner Nestor Clemente.“Hindi na natin alam kung bakit. Talagang naghihirap talaga ang Pilipino ngayon. Umaaray na talaga. Dati kasi December, wala na kaming display rito,” said another stall owner Rossel Encarnacion.Apart from clothes and Christmas decor, toy sales are also slow. Some vendors say they may even need to bring their prices down if stocks don’t move in the coming weeks.“Kasi ‘yong puhunan po makukulong, next year mo na naman po ‘yon. Balik puhunan na lang din pag di po naubos. Seasonal po talaga,” said toy vendor Noraida Mediodia.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2024/12/21/mga-nagtitinda-sa-divisoria-umaaray-sa-matumal-na-benta-1732">Mga nagtitinda sa Divisoria, umaaray sa matumal na benta</a></div>Children’s toys range from P100 upward, depending on type and design, including battery-operated ones. Among the items currently selling are the trending “brainrot” characters popular among kids, such as Tungtungtung Sahur and Ballerina Cappuccina whose price begins at P250.The EcoWaste Coalition, however, reminded the public to be vigilant when buying toy products. The coalition said it must be safe for children and should have no hazards, and other mandatory labeling in accordance with RA 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act.The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), meanwhile, emphasized that Christmas decorations should carry Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings.The absence of these markings, according to the DTI, is a clear violation of Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

Divisoria vendors say that they used to compete only with nearby stalls, but now they also have to contend with online sellers.

Divisoria vendors say that they used to compete only with nearby stalls, but now they also have to contend with online sellers.

‘Umaaray na talaga’; Divisoria vendors see slow holiday sales amid growing online competition

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‘Umaaray na talaga’; Divisoria vendors see slow holiday sales amid growing online competition

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 02, 2025 07:01 PM PHT

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