"They Came, They Said: Bad News" - Vendors at Komitas Market in Desperate Situation

On the eve of March 8, vendors at Komitas Market received an "unexpected" announcement informing them that they must vacate the market area. The workers found themselves in a desperate situation, unsure of what to do or where to go.

"They came, they said: bad news. You have to vacate the area by March 15. Everyone got mixed up. Then they said, ‘We'll give you about 25 days to find a place for your goods and yourselves,’" one of the female vendors told Sputnik Armenia.

The vendors have a plea: they request an extension of time until the end of the year. They express that they are freezing in the cold, and now they want to at least be able to sell seasonal fruits and vegetables.

They pay daily fees at the market, ranging from 2000 to 3000 AMD. This arrangement is advantageous for them as it is not tied to the tax system. In contrast, selling in stores requires both paying rent to the shop and taxes to the State Revenue Committee.

"What percentage of profit do we have when we give 5% to the tax authorities and 10% to the shop rent? They keep us working like ‘rabies,’ and we give everything to them. How can we do it? Where can we sell?" complained another worker.

Many vendors at Komitas Market have been selling their goods for 30 to 40 years, having become accustomed to the area and establishing a loyal customer base. They have tried to understand the future of the market from the management, even suggesting that if the market was to be renovated and restored, they would be willing to pay more in the future, just to continue their work. However, nothing is currently known about their fate.

"We have no way of living, they seized this too, closed it. How are we supposed to live? At the same time, they say they will increase transportation fees, as if they are burying us all," added one elderly vendor.

There are about 70 vendors at Komitas Market. Some bring their goods from rural areas to sell, while others are resellers. The media outlet attempted to reach the market management for a comment, but calls went unanswered.

According to information from Sputnik Armenia, Komitas Market was purchased by GTB Holding, which is also building a metallurgy factory in the Ararat region.