VOX POP: COUPONS

Given the tough economic challenges facing Jamaicans, The Gleaner took to the streets of the Corporate Area to ask members of the public if they think more businesses should be offering coupons to their customers to help them cope. We also sought to find out how they could be introduced and the minimum value they think would make a difference.

Mark Powell

With the (state of the) economy right now and all the bills we have to pay, any sort of coupon that can help the consumer gain confidence would be good. It is something that would definitely help and motivate the customers to shop. If customers do not have the money to shop, they (are) not going into the stores. So the coupons could be made available in the newspapers to provide easier access for a wide cross section of people.

Novelette Samuels

Yes, I would like to see more businesses, especially food stores, supermarkets and even pharmacies, introduce coupons to help customers because the cost of food and medication is a problem to a lot of people. For example, the coupons could give the customer up to 25 per cent off the price of each item and could be made available in the stores.

Sharmelah Farquharson

They should definitely do it because poor people are facing a crisis right now. Introducing more coupons would make things a little easier for them. They (the coupons) could be used to buy books and stationery for back-to-school and in the supermarkets and other places. The coupons could be for a minimum of $2,000 and could be made available in the newspapers.

Peta-Gaye Nash

Yes, I think more stores should introduce discount coupons for their customers. This can make a big difference because people have several things to do with their money due to the economic crisis. The coupons could be for a minimum of $1,500 or $2,000.