Department stores and businesses are looking forward to better sales for Christmas 2004 even though spending was down in this period last year.
But most retailers in the Vendors Arcade on Water Street can only see a blue Christmas.
Edward Boyer, of National Hardware (Guy) Ltd., says "we have seen within the last week an increase in business," but added that people are more cautious in their spending, hence "spending has definitely reduced." "People are spending on consumer durables," says Boyer, such as paint and gutter fixtures, as well as on seasonal items like decorations.
"Definitely there is a decline in big ticket items...the upper middle class are not spending."
"The trend is not different than last year," says Donald Singh, manager at Fogarty's Supermarket. "What is happening, is that, people are shopping a bit later...I am very optimistic based on what I see." In a break down of shopping attitudes Singh noted that in the first part of December people are just checking out prices, by the second week customers begin to shop furniture, household items and decorations, then as Christmas draws closer more focus will be placed on food and toys.
In terms of sales, Singh predicts that the company should have a minimum 10% increase in overall sales. "You can't take away the Christmas spirit from Guyanese."
Kem Singh, owner of Singh's Electronic World on Regent Street explained that business is picking up but at a slow rate. Singh suspects that as relatives send funds from overseas or return home money will become available.
He noted that around this time last year sales were higher. At present shoppers buying at the store are interested in the Christmas decorations and toys. But electronic items like tapes and household appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators are expected to increase by next week.
Similarly, Karl Panday, manager at Bish & Sons Liquor and Variety Store, at Albert and Fifth Streets, Alberttown says sales are moving "very slowly" compared to last year. But he hopes that by next week this will change. At present consumers are shopping mainly beverages[soft drinks] in small quantities. Nevertheless, Panday says his line of business is usually the last item on the Christmas list.
Colin Younge, at Yam's Liquor Store, Party Service and Rentals on Public Road, La Penitence says normally around this period it is much busier.
But he thinks customers will be spending more this year than last year because they are more relaxed.
So he is looking forward to having his sales doubled. This weekend Yam's has 19 weddings to supply beverages for. So far, people are also purchasing more vodka than rum and are buying larger quantities of beverages in disposable containers.
At Royal Jewellery House on Regent Street, manager Camille Azeez says sales around this period were much higher than last year but believes it will pick up. Currently sales are coming in the area of watches, silver and costume jewelry and cologne sets. But Azeez says the local craft items usually are sold when overseas-based Guyanese are returning home after the holidays.
At Exclusive Styles on Camp Street Lester Gilhuyl says "you cannot know until the end of the season" what the level of sales would be. However, he indicates that the Ralph Lauren casual wear does have a following. So, like other retailers, this clothing store is also looking forward to better sales leading up to the holidays.
But one notable book store is expecting a 50% decline in sales from last year even though sales are expected to pick-up.
"The sales are mostly going on toys," says the book store manager, adding that toys sold on the pavement are being preferred over their educational toys. "In the past, it used to be roaring."
It's all blue in the Vendors Arcade on Water Street with stall owners not too optimistic that sales will pick-up.
"No business ain't going on here," explained one vendor who declined to be identified. They say vendors who are selling illegally on the streets are cutting their business.
"Nobody ain't tell(ing) them anything," says the vendor, speaking about the city constables who patrol the streets and market places.
A food stall owner, Julius Morgan says his customers are not visitors/possible buyers who come to the arcade but the stall owners. "If them can't sell they can't get money to buy."
"They are making laws and they are not upholding them," says vendor L. Hermanstein referring to the city council. "In here (you have to wait) two to three days for one sale."
There are also several closed stalls as owners leave to re-occupy the streets. Hermanstein says it is a vicious cycle: "The fact that the inflow is not coming people are leaving."
Also the newly built ladies and gents toilets, completed over two months ago, is yet to be open.
Wayne Lorimer, a vendor, selling fairy lights on Regent Street in the vicinity of the Plaisance minibus park was looking forward to increase sales, contrary to vendors at the arcade. "It ain't really pick-up yet," says Lorimer. "Maybe next week it may pick-up." This vendor decided to sell fairy lights because of the increased momentum in the housing sector and construction in other sectors.