The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian retailer yesterday said sales of Independence Day memorabilia are on track to triple year-over-year, with business so strong he has had to “turn some away”.

Pedro Neely, owner/operator of PC Smart Tees, told Tribune Business that significant “support from the Family Islands” helped to boost this year’s sales as Independence festivities returned following a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Locally we did other custom orders, like birthdays and graduations, but Independence was good. We had multiple orders and we had to turn some away because the holiday started and I needed to enjoy it myself,” Mr Neely said. He added that specialty Independence items will be available for the entire month at PC Smart Tees, because there are always “late comers” and those who want to celebrate for the entire month.

“We keep our sales up for the entire month because we still have people that want shirts for the Fridays and weekends. They always want new designs,” Mr Neely said. While “hidden design” t-shirts have traditionally sold well for PC Smart Tees, the company did not have the product this year. Yet, despite the lack of inventory, Mr Neely added: “Sales were great.

“Last year, for the whole month of July, I had over 100 shirts done and, right now, I’m about halfway and just one week into July, so I think we will crush the 100 mark again. So we’re trending up to be triple of what we had in 2021.”

Cayle Mortimer, owner/operator of Mortimer Candies, added: “This was a good year for sales. I think because everything is starting to open up now more people had our candies out for their customers this year.”

Mortimer Candies specialised in the flag-coloured mint candies that have become a year-round treat after they were designed some four years ago to take advantage of the holiday spirit surrounding the Independence celebrations.

Mr Mortimer added: “When first started, the flag-coloured candies used to be once a year, but they grew to a point where we make them year-round now.”

Mitzie Butler, general manager of Party Land, said: “Independence items moved fairly good. Compared to last year it was almost the same; there wasn’t much difference.”

Party Land will keep Independence items on the shelves for a few more days. It will not extend them through the rest of 2022 in common with other retailers because they are in “transition” and many seasonal items will have to move.