Cheapside vendors report mixed sales as rising costs bite

Vendors at Cheapside Market reported Wednesday that this Christmas trade has been uneven, as stubbornly high food prices and reduced consumer spending temper festive shopping in Bridgetown, even with steady foot traffic through the market.

Vendor Nadine Prince told Barbados TODAY that business had been inconsistent, noting that the high cost of produce had forced both vendors and customers to cut back.

“Business up and down because things so expensive,” she said. “Last year was a little better than this year because this year everything more expensive. The things we want, we can’t get them, and what we do get, we have to buy less.”

Prince explained that many vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers, had seen sharp price increases, especially those that were imported.

“Sweet peppers, local tomatoes, flavour peppers… everything is high,” she said. “Some of these things gone up to $12 a pound.”

She added that customer traffic had also changed, with shoppers spending less time and money at the market.

“People come early and gone quick. They only buying small things now,” she said. “Last year more people came by. This year worse than last year.”

Despite the challenges, Prince expressed gratitude for her regular customers who continue to support her business.

Vendor Afua Merson shared similar sentiments, noting that while sales had not dropped drastically, they were not as strong as in previous years.

“The sales weren’t bad, although the prices were expensive,” she said. “People still buying the food. Even if they short a few cents or a dollar, they still try to get what they need.”

Merson acknowledged that overall demand had declined compared with last year.

“Last year was better than this year. We didn’t get a lot of things this year, but we give God thanks. People still buy the little that they have.”

She added that certain items had remained popular among shoppers.

“The hot sellers is coloured pepper, thyme, marjoram, chives, hot pepper and sweet pepper,” she said. “People not really buying potatoes and yams like before. Last year yam was a big seller.”

Vendor Angela Greene reported a more positive experience, describing sales as steady heading into the Christmas period.

“Sales very good. Can’t complain,” she said. “Last week people were buying blouses and mats, but this week they buying food.”

When asked to compare this year’s performance with last year’s, Greene said the outcome largely depended on stock.

“It about the same. Once you got what people want, you get through,” she said.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb