Two major stores in Bridgetown are reporting an increase in sales over the past two weeks, and predict the trend will continue over the next few days.
When Barbados TODAY visited the City yesterday, some streets were filled with pedestrians, while many stores were packed to capacity as shoppers took advantage of the last Sunday shopping day.
Owner and managing director of Abed’s Stores Eddie Abed reported that sales have been up at the Swan Street and Sheraton Mall locations since the start of this month.
Shoppers in Abed’s looking for flowers to decorate their homes.
He said this is clear indication that “people have waited until the last minute to shop.”
“We have been fortunate that we have a good variety of merchandise, which has been able to take us through the season.” However, the businessman noted: “We are just not sure if it is going to make up for the shortfall of November, but the jury is still out and, at this stage of the game, we are very thankful for what we are getting.”
Over at Cave Shepherd, Broad Street, jewelry retail manager Beverly Belgrave said that department store had also seen an increase in business in the past week.
Shopping for fragrances.
The men came out to shop too.
Belgrave said that while shoppers were still buying household items, many were in search of that perfect gift for a friend or loved one.
“This weekend we have seen an increase and I am sure that by Tuesday we are going to see even bigger crowds. As usual fragrance is always the gift of choice and also leather is very popular and toys for the kids,” Belgrave added.