Business in the sugar city has been on the down low in the first half of the year.

Lautoka Retailers Association president Kishore Kapadia says this is despite the fact that some tourist vessels did arrive in Lautoka carrying a lot of tourists.

Kapadia says sales have not been up to their expectation.

As crushing starts at the Lautoka Mill Kapadia says a lot of money will be pumped into Lautoka economy meaning business should pick up.