The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BUSINESS for many Bay Street retailers this Christmas season was described yesterday as being “fair”, with some merchants lamenting that the continued lack of adequate parking in the downtown district continues to deter Bahamian shoppers.

Edward Hoffer, of Hoffer Sports, one of the largest sporting goods outfits in the country, told Tribune Business: “Business is fair, very fair. People don’t have a lot of disposable income. People don’t have it. They have money for grocery, gas, the essentials. It’s tough out there. It’s very competitive. Also you have the Internet ,where people do a lot of their shopping.”

Mr Hoffer added: “Out west is doing well because we have parking at that location. Downtown could be a lot better if they would implement parking. Local people do like to shop on Bay Street. They like our store, but the parking issue just makes it very difficult.”

Marcie Tannous, manager of the Perfume Shop, told Tribune Business: “We have seen a decrease, it seems, in local traffic. Now with regards to the tourists, we’re seeing a lot of foot traffic, but unfortunately not a lot of buyers.

“I have no complaints; our figures are up from last October/November. We’re hoping that December is going to be good for us, too. What I’m hearing over and over again is that people don’t want to come down here because there is no parking. They have so many spaces for the taxis and there is no place for anyone to park. All of Bay Street is for taxis now. It’s very interesting.”

Deidre Andrews, marketing consultant for the luxury retailer Colombian Emeralds International, said: “Everyone is looking for a bargain deal right now. They’re really hunting for those good deals, low prices, looking for the best possible deal. That’s what we’re finding right now.

“I would say business is fair. It’s very fair right now. People are just hunting for the best possible prices right now. You have to be the overall package to make a dollar. People are going to have a good Christmas but they’re really trying to maximise every dollar.”