Shoppers did not seem to mind the long lines and crowds yesterday, with many waiting hours to cash in on the Boxing Day sales in South Trinidad.
Several customers gathered in front of JD’s Exclusive in Princes Town before dawn hoping to be among the first to enter the store in an attempt to avoid the rush. The doors to the business had to be closed to avoid overcrowding inside the store.
Even with an additional branch in San Fernando, Lendyl Hosein said the crowds were almost the same as last year.
“So far it has been a steady flow. We had to close the door,” he said. Hosein explained that the crowds were the same at their other branches. “I think people are looking for the more affordable items. They are buying an assortment of items,” said Hosein.
Shoppers said they were not bothered because they had expected the crowds, and were looking forward to the discounts. One of them, Fayann Rodriguez spent more than three hours waiting to get through at the branch at San Fernando.
With a broad smile on her face, she said the shopping experience and prices were good.
Crowds also flocked to Gulf City Mall in La Romain in search of discounted prices. At Detour, a sales representative who did not wish to give her name said they were offering 25 per cent off on items across the board.
“So far so good. We can’t complain. It has been a very busy day for us. There is a constant flow of people,” she said.
At the She Rocks store in the mall, Jamel, the manager, said clothes were priced from $20 to $200.
“The sale today is more crazy than last year. We want to keep it going, trying to keep it up...You not even getting a chance to eat. It’s just a steady flow.”
Customer Ishka Seecharan did not mind the crowds.
“It is hectic but some of the deals are good,” she said.
Greater San Fernando Area Chamber president Kiran Singh was impressed by the turnout.
“Almost 100 per cent of the stores are open in downtown. I think today is the best crowd I have seen in a long time downtown on Boxing Day.”
