Many local business owners say it is becoming harder to compete as more foreign-owned businesses open across Samoa.
While foreign investment has brought new products, services and jobs to the country, some local entrepreneurs say the growing number of overseas-owned businesses is making it increasingly difficult for locally owned shops to survive.
Several business owners told the Samoa Observer they have seen a decline in customers as more shops selling similar products open nearby.
They said many foreign-owned businesses are able to offer lower prices because of greater buying power and direct access to suppliers, making it difficult for smaller local businesses to compete.
A clothing shop owner at the Fugalei Market said rising costs and increasing competition had made it difficult to keep her business operating.
