With just six more shopping days left before Christmas, Barbadians descended on Bridgetown yesterday to buy up gifts and last-minute items to spruce up their homes.
From curtains, to flowers, jewellery and toys, shoppers made no qualms about their purchases or buying gifts for those special people in their lives.
Although many said they had shopped “wiser” this year choosing cheaper items, it was evident that the Christmas spirit was in full effect, judging from the numerous bags seen in some people’s hands.
The counters at Abed’s on Swan Street were filled with people purchasing curtains, mats, sheets, fabric and more for the season.
Cheryl Payne and Suzette Bynoe were two of those who were busy purchasing items for their homes.
Payne said she was one of those who loved Christmas, and hadn’t let the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase affect her.
“I shopped like normal this year. I love Christmas and I love to dress up my house and change the curtains all during the year. This is the time money is flowing and one of the happiest times for me,” she stated.
Store manager Hassan Towini said he was yet to see the mad rush of shoppers on Swan Street, but still had his share of shoppers.
“This time last year, there were so many people shopping on Swan Street that you couldn’t even find space to walk. This year, the streets are not full, but the people are coming in and shopping, so we can’t complain. I know how things are so we are satisfied with what we have been seeing so far,” he added.
Kathy-Ann Bailey was another shopper in Swan Street at the crowded Tropicana Store looking to purchase gifts for her family.
“Once the kids are happy and I have gifts for my family and some food in my house, I will be all right,” she said.
Managing director Poonam Uttamchandani said the season began slowly but thanks to their loyal customers and “some of the best prices in town”, they were now in full “Tropicana madness”.
“The prices have been slashed and the people are going crazy. This traffic is getting hot! hot! hot! So I know how it will be by next week,” she added.
In Woolworth, chocolates, flowers and household items were being snapped up by those in store.
Juanita Shepherd said if there was one time of the year she loved to shop, it was at Christmas.
“This is a time for sharing and caring, so I can’t help it if I have to get gifts for special people,” she noted.
Through every alley on Swan Street, wayside vendors tried to get a piece of the cake with a variety of household items on sale.
At Cave Shepherd on Broad Street, the toy department was one of the busiest places. Dozens of parents and children filled the aisles looking at fancy cars, pools, toy trucks, dollies and lots more.
“This is what I want, mummy,” said one little girl gleefully as she held one of the biggest dollies.
