The Taipei City Government will turn the Civil Plaza (市民廣場) into a big bazaar and invite hundreds of local businesses to promote “made in Taiwan” products at discounted prices every weekend in a move to help revive the local economy.
The first Civil Plaza bazaar will be held from tomorrow until Sunday, with 280 stalls featuring local products, such as brand electronic products from Asus and Acer, clothes and agricultural products at up to an 80 percent discount.
Sherman Chen (陳雄文), commissioner of the Department of Economic Development, said the economic crisis had harmed many small businesses since last year, which prompted the department to open up Civil Plaza, located in front of Taipei City Hall, to local businesses.
The weekend bazaars will be held until September, Chen said.
The department will also cooperate with traditional markets and municipal business districts to hold other bazaars.
The worsening economy has even prompted popular beef noodle shop Master Hung Noodle Shop (洪師父麵食棧) to participate in the bazaar.
Shop owner Hung King-lung (洪金龍) said revenue at the four branch stores had dropped significantly. Joining such bazaars could help bring more customers.
Most of the participating companies will offer 50 percent to 80 percent discounts or “buy one get one free” offers.
The bazaar will be open from 12pm to 8pm tomorrow, 10am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
Chen said the city government would appeal to companies in other cities and counties to participate at the weekend bazaars.
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