The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Retailers yesterday said Independence Day sales are much stronger than last year with one reporting a 10 percent year-over-year increase.

Pedro Neely, owner/operator of PC Smart Tees, told Tribune Business that Family Island t-shirt sales for Independence Day celebrations are better than expected and “back to pre-pandemic levels”.

Mr Neely who co-owns PC Smart Tees with his wife, Candia, added that they have been “swamped” with bulk orders since June ended as retailers purchase to re-sell the t-shirts. Sales, he confirmed, are “10 percent above last year”.

Mr Neely said: “We’re offering bulk now and increasing our work flow so we are able to knock these orders out all at one time. We didn’t have to hire new people. Right now it’s just me and my wife. We put a lot of work into it just to make it streamlined. We used the pandemic to upgrade our technology and our workflow.”

Cayle Mortimer, owner/operator of Mortimer Candies, said Independence Day sales are “picking up” and much better than 2021 as the economy continues to recover. Mortimer Candies produces the flag-coloured mints for July 10, which will be celebrated in full for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Loretta Francis, marketing manager for Suntee Embroidme, said business started picking up just before National Pride Day on July 1. She added: “We have a dedicated customer base, and each year they love to shop at Suntee.” Family Island orders for Suntee are also increasing, with a “mixture” of both re-sellers and people buying shirts for their families.