Christmas in the City just a day away

Tick, tick, tick ... the clock is counting down! There's just a day to go for the greatest shopping fiesta of the year. Christmas in the City is all geared up to explode in downtown Kingston.

In fact, this year is expected to be so big it has been split into two days. Tomorrow is the day for retail outlets, with more than 50 participating stores offering big discounts, while this Saturday has been reserved for the market district.

After opening Gassan Azan's Sweet Things at the corner of Princess and Beckford streets, special guest Prime Minister Bruce Golding will be touring the capital city.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Christopher Tufton, will be the guest of honour at the market district on Saturday.

Francis Kennedy, vice-president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, said all concerned are quite prepared for Christmas in the City.

"We hope this year will be as successful as last year," said Kennedy, as he outlined plans for tomorrow.

The entertainment package will be just as exciting as the shopping spree. There will be a massive stage and fashion show sponsored by Wisynco at 8 p.m. at the corner of Harbour and King streets featuring Beenie Man and a host of top artistes.

There will also be two food courts along Barry Street, and a hairdressers and vendors' arcade on the north side of South Parade. A free shuttle-bus service will transport patrons throughout the various areas.

Already put out stock

A walk through downtown Kingston and a chat with shop owners and customers reveal one thing: Christmas is definitely in the city! In fact, the stores have already put out new stock.

Lerner Shop at South Parade is fully stocked and ready to give customers 20 per cent to 70 per cent discounts throughout the store. Manager Jennifer Swaby said, "Last year was very good and we expect this year to be just the same."

Manhattan House in West Parade will be offering 30 per cent to 50 per cent discounts on clothing, shoes, linen, and household items.

"We have opened up more floor space to accommodate the crowd, which was big last year. We are definitely looking forward to this Wednesday," said a manager for the store.

The vendors are also looking forward to Christmas in the City.

"Business kinda slow dah year yah, so mi really hope fi mek a killing Wednesday," said Trevor, who peddles belts, bags, and other items.

"Yeah, man," said Mark, a fellow vendor. "A hassle-free time weh we can just sell off we tings dem. We want a nice Christmas tuh, yuh nuh. We a look forward to the people dem come buy out di tings dem."

In the meantime, the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation and the police are primed and ready to deal with the thousands expected to flock to downtown Kingston between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday for an incident-free shopping spree, fun, and entertainment.