Businesses and consumers pleased with VAT-free shopping day

Barbadians flocked to supermarkets and other shopping centres on Wednesday to cash in on the VAT holiday savings and businesses described the day as a success.

Managers of several businesses reported that from early in the morning, shoppers were standing in line outside their establishments, patiently waiting for the doors to open.

There were reports that even before 6 a.m., crowds had started to gather at various outlets of Popular Discounts supermarket.

There was a steady flow of customers throughout the day, according to several businesses, and shoppers indicated they were happy for the opportunity to purchase items at discounted prices, especially at Christmas time, given the challenging economic climate.

Marketing Manager at Courts, Ann-Marie King described the day as spectacular and indicated that there was a long line outside the Bridgetown location as customers rushed to purchase appliances and other items.

“We have a fabulous offer in addition to saving the 17.5 per cent VAT today with our VAT-free holiday. We are also matching that discount with 17.5 per cent storewide, not only in-store but also online.

“I rolled in at about 7:30 a.m. and there was a line outside…. As always, Courts really appreciate the patronage of the Barbadian public,” King said.

Managing Director at Woolworth, Martin Bryan said there was an influx of shoppers from the time the store opened at 8 a.m. and there was a hive of activity on both floors.

“People would have had a list of what they wanted, whether that was toys, whether that was gifts, whether that was things from our little supermarket, whether that was home decor or perfumes. Chocolates have been a big hit.

“People have been coming in and we have been well supported. From reports I have gotten from all over the island, Bajans took advantage of the savings today and came out in their numbers. The City has been busy all day long,” he said.

When Barbados TODAY visited Abed’s on Swan Street, shoppers were busy buying curtains, mats, bedsheets and cloth to get their Christmas and Old Year’s Night and New Year’s Day outfits made.

Janice Gittens told Barbados TODAY she only needed to purchase bedsheets and bathroom mats as everything else to decorate her home for Christmas had been bought since November.

“I come to town and come straight to Abed’s because I know what I am looking for,” she said.

Managing Director Eddy Abed said staff were overwhelmed with work as they tried to stay on top of customer demands. He said Barbadians appeared to be enthusiastic about VAT-free day based on their response to the first one in 2021 and this year.

“Obviously, items without VAT would spread your dollars so much more and it has been a difficult year. Prices have gone up and, by and large, most people have less money to spend on non-essential items.

“Abed’s has greatly benefited from it so we have nothing but praise and thanks for this day; we needed it. Right now, we are happy and we are selling items that we have in stock. Generally, our customers are pleased with our selection and our prices and, of course, having the VAT off makes it much more affordable,” the businessman added.

Location Manager, DFC Barbados, Mark Clarke also reported a rush of customers at the Broad Street store from 8:30 a.m. right through the day. He said the perfume and leather departments were the busiest sections.

“We did it last year so we just basically mapped what we did last year and we are doing it again this year and everything is running smoothly. We also had our support team coming out to assist us, so everything is going good for us,” Clarke told Barbados TODAY.

There were also long lines inside and outside popular shopping club Pricesmart.

After spending just over three hours there, one shopper who requested anonymity said she was pleased with her savings.

“It was a long wait to get to the cashier but I am thankful that I was able to stretch my money today,” she said.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb