Slow sales for some in Wildey

ALMOST CONSTANT bumper-to-bumper traffic on Wildey Main Road, St Michael, has not translated to more customers for businesses in the area.This has been attributed to the one-way traffic arrangement implemented a year ago as part of Barbados’ road network upgrade.When BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY visited Palm Plaza last Thursday, four of the ten available spaces were occupied.Staff of three stores chose to speak and they agreed that sales are harder to come by.The manager of Brothers Barber Shop said nothing much has changed and “people just rush to get through” without looking at the businesses.He noted that they opened another branch in a different location to “offset the fallout” but will have to see how long they can sustain the Wildey branch.He said repeat customers are keeping the business afloat and there has been no significant inflow of new customers.“Growth has stagnated and over time the number of old customers will be reduced for a variety of reasons.“It’s just a matter of time,” the manager said.Meanwhile, the owner of Ultimate Choice Cosmetique and Accessories said her days are “very quiet”, since the traffic plan causes her to “lose lots of sales”. “If I can find somewhere better, I’ll move,” she said.An employee of the Lucky Fortune Chinese Restaurant and Bar said: “Before, it was bad. It’s picking up now but it’s not like before.”Palm Plaza manager Lindell Humphrey was optimistic about filling the vacant spaces.“One of the things I’m planning on doing is to promote the building and encourage the types of businesses required,” he said, adding that he would also do some “physical upliftment” on the structure.He said businesses in the plaza had to find ways to attract the high volume of traffic.The Curry King food establishment opposite Palm Plaza has closed.Also, the nearby Wildey Shopping Plaza is under renovation which, according to a bystander, began last week.All the retail operations there are gone and only Scotiabank and a medical practice remain. (NB)