Late shopping came to an official end last Thursday but a number of Bridgetown business operators would like to see it continue.
However, there were a few things some business owners suggested that could improve the initiative, which saw City businesses remaining open until 9 p.m. each Thursday.
The initiative was developed by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Revitalization of Bridgetown Initiative to increase activity in the capital through shopping, culture and entertainment.
A number of businesses reported satisfactory sales for the eight-week period and said they would continue.
Location manager of Cave Shepherd, Andrew Wilkinson, told the BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY the company had achieved its main goal, which was to attract customers who would not have had the opportunity to shop during the day.
He said the company had already taken a decision to continue to open late on Thursdays for the rest of the year.
“We find it was more family shopping and mature people shopping as well as the working-class people who don’t have the opportunity to come to town because of their work schedule,” he said.
More specials from more stores and additional activities were needed to attract even more shoppers, Wilkinson added.
“Some businesses were apprehensive initially but as they saw the success of it, more and more businesses came on board and we are hoping that, going forward, even more businesses within the environment of Bridgetown will get on board,” he said.
Meanwhile, the operator of a Swan Street store said that for the two weeks she opened her business late on Thursday nights, she experienced increased sales.
The owner of B-Sharp, who requested not to be identified, said she was already considering opening late but added that other stores would have to do so as well. She believed there was a need for another day to do shopping past 5 p.m. other than Fridays.
“For me, it has been better than the regular hours,” she said.
Oral Brathwaite, store manager of Diamonds International on Lower Broad Street, said while he welcomed the Thursday Nights Live . . . In The City he wanted to see more done to include tourists.
“It can work but not just with the locals; we need something for the tourists,” Brathwaite said.
Organizers of the initiative, in consultation with the Bridgetown businesses, will evaluate the project in order to improve it and encourage additional retailers to come on board. (MM)
