Local traders report a drop of about 50 percent in Bulgarian visitors to the market in Edirne, which, in addition to high store rents and increased costs, is having a severe impact on them, writes the Turkish private agency IHA.
According to the publication, the main reason for the outflow lies in the reduced purchasing power of Bulgarian citizens. At the same time, IHA also reminds us of Bulgaria's accession to Schengen, which, according to the agency, has directed its citizens to travel and shop in other European countries.
Traders from Edirne expect an increase in Bulgarians arriving in the country during the summer period.
According to Yilmaz Sanis, chairman of the Association of Traders from the Historical Market "Ali Pasha" in Edirne, the low attendance of buyers from Bulgaria can also be explained by seasonal factors.
"In January, February and March, business is generally weak", he says. According to him, traders at the market, which has a 460-year history, are currently going through a difficult period as a result of the decrease in the number of people coming from abroad and the increase in costs. "There is almost a 50-60 percent decrease", he adds.
Edirne store owner Sidar Basunlu says that in general, there has been a decrease in foreigners over the past year. According to him, the increase in the prices of goods also contributes to this.
"Of course, our prices are constantly increasing. Edirne is no longer attractive because of the rents and costs", notes Basunlu, who also reports that the number of Bulgarians has decreased by approximately half. This situation, he notes, makes it difficult for market traders to cover their rent costs and many are leaving.
"It used to be very busy on weekdays, and even busier on weekends. Currently, the number of people coming on weekdays is insignificant, but it is also very low on weekends," Basunlu added.
IHA has also spoken to Bulgarians who have come to the city for shopping, who explain that prices at the market in Edirne have increased and, unlike before, are now close to those in Bulgaria.