Things Jamaican adds e-commerce portal, plans store expansion
Published:Sunday | November 27, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Avia Collinder, Business Writer
Just in time for the Christmas shopping season, Things Jamaican, the retail arm of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), has added an e-commerce portal, which is expected to improve sales for entrepreneurs who market their products through its five-store network.
A new Things Jamaican store is also to be opened in Negril in 2012, bringing to six the number of retail outlets.
The new online portal - www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com - permits purchases using Paypal, Scotia Visa debit cards and international credit cards.
Manager Janine Taylor said Thursday that the company, which provides initial market access to Jamaican suppliers, is hereby providing a wider market for micro and small manufacturers, some of whom do not yet have products in the mainstream marketplace.
No details on sales performance were available from Taylor, but she noted that product lines were inclusive of craft and food including coffee; traditional sweet treats such as gizzadas, bustas, tamarind balls, grater cakes; sauces and seasonings, and wines.
Listed best sellers, she said, include unique art pieces, wall hangings, ceramic pieces, customised gift packages, and souvenirs.
locations islandwide
Operational for over 10 years, the store network includes locations at Devon House and the corporate store at 14 Camp Road, Kingston, the Port Antonio Marina, Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport.
JBDC Chief Executive Officer Valerie Veira says the new portal allows Things Jamaican expanded international market access for micro and small manufacturers.
"The site, which began operation just over a month ago, has seen a steady increase in interest in the products, particularly from consumers in the United States," said Veira, in a release.
Added Taylor on Thursday: "We are still populating the site with more products and we are promoting the fact that the site is up and running through the Buy Jamaica for Christmas 2011 campaign, which is being conducted in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association. With increased awareness, it is expected that sales for our producers and manufacturers will be improved."