MoBay sales slow down

Store owners hope for improvement by last Christmas sale day

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE CHRISTMAS season traditionally keeps the cashier stands rolling over rapidly in commercial enterprises and this year, business interests in Montego Bay, St James, are expectant, waiting for the rush of sales which usually define the period.

The sales gauge is pointing to a general lull this year in some areas when compared with the same period last year.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Patrick Casserley, has, however, expressed optimism that sales will improve as bonuses and additional allowances are being paid this week.

"The west in general is booming. People are shopping undoubtedly. It is a situation where sales start later and will gradually become stronger, so we are at the segment now where sales are going to move forward," he said.

"We are now beginning to show signs of coming out of the recession, and with the recent investments in Montego Bay and other areas, we are looking at a strengthening of the economy in the west."

Casserly said Montego Bay is poised for a great year in 2011, with the opening of the convention centre and further investment activities serving as the stimuli for positive growth.

Kishore Mahbubani, operator of Queenie's Gift Shop on Market Street, Montego Bay, said sales have hit an all-time low this year as people are not shopping as before.

"Things have been pretty slow this year. We are hoping for things to pick up over the next three days," Mahbubani shared. "Last year this time was much busier in sales than what we are seeing now. People are not spending at all. They don't want to spend $5,000; they spend only $1,000."

Discounts

Mahbubani said he has discounted everything in the store to spur an improvement in sales.

The cashier at El Paso Records and Fashions, June Kristner, who spoke on behalf of manager Randy McPherson, said the response for the Yuletide period has not been good when compared with previous years.

"Things are not as good as we expected it to be. Right now, we are going through a slow period. However, as the week progresses, we anticipate that sales will improve."

Kristner said the prices of some items have been discounted in the hope that this will act as a catalyst to boost sales.

The Pagoda Shop has discounted its prices in the hope of cashing in on the last sales day, as things have not been as good as they used to be.

"This year has been less than last year, and the year before. But God has been good and we know how Jamaicans shop, so we hope that things will pick up for the last few days," said Corine Lee.

MK Mart supervisor and cashier Ann Marie Barnes, indicated earlier this week that while things have not been bad, they were hopeful that sales would improve in the coming days.

"We are hopeful that Thursday and Friday will show greater sales. We offer a five per cent discount for those persons who apply for a discount card. Some things are on special, so we are expecting things to improve."

The Lucky Dollar is enjoying its first Christmas in Montego Bay and branch manager Andrine Virgo said the response has been good.

"Well, so far, because it has been our first Christmas in the community, the feedback has been really wonderful, really positive, and we have a promotion going called 'Bag-a-Ting's' which offers exciting prizes, so we are happy for the response so far and hope it will continue to get better."