As Crop Over peaks, business is booming

etailers are experiencing a surge in profits as the 50th Crop Over season reaches its climax, with many anticipating a final rush of customers ahead of Grand Kadooment on Monday.

The uptick in sales has been largely attributed to an increase in party events this year, driving demand for beauty products, clothing, and accessories.

Samantha Austin, spokeswoman for #1 Beauty Supply, reported brisk business across their outlets.

“Sales have been good this season because there are more events and people wanted to have a new look for every event. A lot of the hair products we recently brought in, when we posted on our social media pages, the next day we were basically sold out”, she told Barbados TODAY.

Austin added that their makeup services department had been particularly busy: “It has been very busy in that particular section at all of our locations. People are not only coming for full makeup but for eyelash applications and eyebrow shaping.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Ashley Millington, store manager at Ez Wigs.

“For sure we have been busy. People have started to come in for last-minute options already”, she said. Millington noted a trend towards weather-appropriate styles: “The ladies are buying ponytail extensions and short-styled wigs. The ponytail is something that works well with a lot of outfits and it is easy to put on.”

The intense heat has influenced purchasing decisions, with many customers opting for products that can withstand the warm temperatures. “With the short [wig] styles, these days are very hot so the ladies are buying to accommodate the weather,” said Millington.

Jalissa Maynard, sales assistant at Kiss N Makeup, observed: “It has been so busy. A lot of people are coming for makeovers (full makeup) and sometimes we are overbooked. We found that women are buying a lot of matte products as well. Obviously, the heat is intense and they are asking for things that are sweat proof.”

Eddy Abed, managing director of Abed’s, reported increased sales compared to last year. “With certainty, I can say that sales are up. There have been more events than there were last year”, he said. “Sales are driven by activities so the more activities we have in a season the greater opportunity we have to try to make sales because the public has to prepare themselves for the fetes and cruises.”

Jalissa Grosvenor, sales representative at Vibrant boutique, also gave a positive assessment: “Business has been good, we had a lot of traffic for the season. The ladies are coming for a lot more colourful outfits, especially rompers and dresses. And we do expect things to pick up more this weekend because Barbadians are last minute.”

Javani Smith, store owner of Friction boutique, noted a shift in men’s fashion choices: “Business has been good, I can’t complain at all. At the start of the season, things got off good but as the weeks passed it got even better, and I am so appreciative of how things are going. Crochet was a big hit for the season and the stacked jeans. A lot of men this year were willing to try something new, they were more attuned with fashion and made bolder decisions in terms of colours.”

But not all businesses have experienced the same level of success. Nancy Noumeh, store owner of shoe store Sole Addiction, reported a slower start: “Things are now starting to pick up but pretty dead for the most part. But we expect that, as usual, there will be a last-minute rush and we are preparing for that. We expect for Kadooment there will be a lot of sales for stockings and sneakers.”

A supervisor at Sewing World,Mrs Gittens, also reported a lacklustre season: “There was nothing to shout about; nothing more and nothing less. Even in our haberdashery department it was the same.”

Beauty suppliers have noted a particular surge in demand for cosmetics and hair products. The floor manager at Caribbean Queen, who wished to remain unnamed, said: “Between now and last year, business has picked up significantly. We expect this weekend to be the busiest time and so far things have been busy. The ladies are coming for hair and cosmetics and the Remi hair is moving.”

Some businesses are adapting their strategies to capitalise on the anticipated last-minute rush. Millington of Ez Wigs said she extended opening hours this weekend and will be open on Sunday to facilitate the last-minute rush.

While the majority of businesses interviewed reported positive outcomes, a varied impact of the festival season was observed in different sectors of the retail industry. As Grand Kadooment approaches, both thriving and struggling businesses are pinning their hopes on a final surge of festival-related buys.sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb