Eddie Abed
The owner of one of Barbados’ leading retail stores says he is worried about a significant drop in sales during the first six months of this year.
Eddie Abed, who operates Abeds on Swan Street, the City and Sheraton Mall, Christ Church, told reporters this morning, that sales had declined by 15 per cent during that period.
Abed said while he did not expect any turn around in the short term, he would stand by his 85 employees and protect their jobs. However, he noted that he may have to review the situation after the back-to-school shopping period. But as it stands now, added the prominent businessman, workers will be protected.
He suggested that after Crop-Over, businesses which are unable to pull through, may have to initiate promotional drives.
“We have to do what is necessary,” he advised. “Bridgetown still remains the number one shopping centre in the country.”
But he said he believed it had to be made relevant, adding it was his opinion that harassment and poor sanitation were issues that still needed to be addressed. At the same time, the retailer did not accept that the problems in the City were as bad as some people made them out to be.
Abed said sanitation had gotten better and security was wonderful. He commended members of the Royal Barbados Police Force for the work they were doing in Bridgetown.
“CCTVs are in place. They blanket Bridgetown,” observed the vice president of the Barbados Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
He disclosed that the closed circuit television cameras were working well, in that they had helped to solve or reduce crime in the City. (EJ)