Senior Reporter
derek.achong@guardian.co.tt
Hundreds of citizens in search of a bargain flocked to retail stores across north Trinidad for Boxing Day sales yesterday.
While many returned to shopping malls, which were heavily attended in the run-up to Christmas, many were drawn to specialist retailers, who traditionally open their doors on the holiday to capitalise on additional sales.
Two of the most heavily subscribed were Mode Alive in Valsayn and Fireone Fireworks in Macoya.
When a news team from Guardian Media visited Mode Alive shortly after midday, there were no empty spots in the car park, with customers opting to park outside and in surrounding streets.
In a brief interview, Mode Alive owner Gary Aboud said he was humbled and thankful for the response, which he described as typical for the annual holiday.
“We have a strong following of people that like our style,” he said.
Aboud also sought to share some insight on how his store is able to offer customers irresistible deals on household items during the sale.
“We have a formula for how we buy where, as far as possible, we cut out middlemen and buy directly from factories. We have to buy bigger volumes,” he said.
He also explained how his business has become immune to foreign exchange shortages that have decimated many other local retailers.
“We export as much as we sell locally, so we never have that shortage of foreign exchange where we are unable to import,” Aboud said.
Aboud, who also allows local small businesses to sell their crafts, produce and food products under a large tent at the entrance to his store, encouraged fellow businesspeople to give back after experiencing success.
“I would encourage all businesses to spread their arms and embrace the wider community. We encourage goodness and love and get blessings from above,” he said.
The response to Fireone’s sale was equally significant, with traffic on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway at the Macoya intersection near to where its headquarters is located, as a result of the response to their sale.
Even with the company securing parking at the Centre of Excellence and a neighbouring company for customers, many were still forced to park on the road.
In a brief interview, customer service representative Anika Lara explained that customers are attracted by the company’s “buy one, get one free (BOGO)” special on Boxing Day.
“Though we would have customers buying throughout the year for their private events, today is a day everyone looks forward to,” she said.
She said there had been a steady stream of customers throughout the day, with staff regularly being required to restock product displays.
“I can say it was one of our greatest years. Since the start this morning, it never died. People just keep coming,” she said.
She noted that while many customers expressed interest in pet-friendly fireworks being offered by the company, most still prefer traditional fireworks.
“Most people come for the loud noises but there is something for everyone,” she said.
Most customers, who brought their children to help select, were seen leaving with shopping carts filled to the brim with pyrotechnics.
One customer, who was seen packing his car full of products, explained that not all his purchases were for his and his family’s enjoyment.
“With this sale, we does buy and sell over to make some good money,” he said.
The scene at Long Circular Mall in St James was starkly different. When Guardian Media visited around 12.30 pm, there were less than a dozen cars in the car park and only a handful of stores open. Security guards assigned to the mall expressed optimism that the situation would improve as the day progressed.
“Hopefully, more people will come later. People usually don’t come so early after Christmas,” one guard said.
