There have been mixed reactions to the sale of hot cross buns throughout Port-of-Spain.
While Thursday is the big sale day for buns during Holy Week, early estimates from one bakery chain are that sales may be down as much as 30 per cent.
Hot Cross Buns are a seasonal treat and typically, bakeries can expect brisk sales of the sticky treat from as early as Monday of the Holy Week.
But not this year. Especially not when compared to last year.
Guardian Media spoke to a supervisor at a popular bakery in Port-of-Spain and she said sales were “very slow.”
“Normally, we start off from Monday every year, but this year it start off very slow. It is nothing like the year before and last year was during COVID, and things sell better than what it selling right now,” she said.
Thursday is their biggest sale day for hot cross buns but speaking Wednesday afternoon, she estimated that sales may be down by as much as 30 per cent this year when compared to last year based on the slow sales.
She believes the reopening of school may be the reason for the lack of public interest.
Coupled with the reopening of the economy, she said many people would have only just resumed work and therefore simply do not have any additional money to spend.
She explained, “I am working and I know how it is, so much more for people who now start to go out to work. When you think about school reopening and you think about eating cross bun, you might buy one. You wouldn’t buy the ten you accustomed buying.”
Because of the poor response, they were finding it difficult to plan for Holy Thursday sales.
But this was not the case at all of the bakeries Guardian Media attended. Linda’s Bakery reported brisk sales from repeat buyers and corporate orders.
Carlel Romais, one of the cashiers at Linda’s Bakery, on Queen Janelle Commissiong Street, Port-of-Spain, said he was preparing himself for the last-minute rush today.
“I don’t know how it will go because people come in a rush and there will be a line,” he said.
Saut D’Eau Bakery, on Richmond Street, reported normal sales, not a lot of bulk orders, but reported a steady flow of customers.
Prices of a box of six buns ranged from $24 to $36. Last-minute orders are possible, but customers are advised to call early or visit the bakery early to avoid disappointment.
