Last-minute shoppers throng downtown PoS

Last-minute shoppers converged on downtown Port-of-Spain yesterday, grabbing up small and novelty items. Although business owners reported a drop in sales, large numbers of Christmas Eve shoppers flocked large stores such as Excellent Stores on Frederick Street, to purchase items such as wrapping paper and gift bags. One shopper said she had bought all her gifts but was out buying wrapping paper.

Cathleen Harewood, who was carrying only a few items, said she had bought most of her gifts and was just purchasing a few household items. Hurrying down Frederick Street, Nakeisha Herbert said she was buying mainly food stuff and few things for her home. Yesterday, the majority of shoppers were seen in novelty stores such as Wonderful World, Aboutique Mall, where an employee said business for the day had been non-stop.

Discount Beauty Mart on Henry Street was also busy with shoppers buying mostly small novelty items, including costume jewelry, body creams and perfumes. Despite the heavy foot traffic on the streets, shoppers were making most of their purchases in the malls, neglecting street vendors and the temporary Salvatori market. One vendor complained that she hadn’t had a customer for the day and said it was the worst Christmas ever.

Storeowners also reported slow sales.  Savi Ramsubag, manager of the clothing store Glam in Excellent City Centre, said although the store was busy, people were not buying as much and compared to last year sales had dropped. Abigail Jean, owner of Down Under in Town Centre Mall, Chacon Street, said her sales had dropped by 15 to 20 per cent. She said that yesterday many people came into her store just to browse. Jean said people selected items and told her they would come back to buy them in the new year when they got paid.