The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Independence Day sales are picking up rapidly at merchants ahead of this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

James Wallace, owner/ operator of Janaees Uniform Centre, told Tribune Business this is the first year his company is producing Independence Day-related apparel. “We’ve not been doing independence stuff before COVID-19. So this is a new approach by Janaees. This is a new venture for us so it’s all uncharted territory, and we are pleased with what we’re seeing,” he added.

“We are satisfied at Janaees because we have gone after the market in terms of the price point that is low, and that the average Bahamian could be able to afford. The main reason why we wanted to get into the Independence Day sales is because COVID-19 set us back so much that we wanted to recover and find new ways to generate revenue.”

One novelty store, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Independence Day sales are “through the roof” with many people buying earlier because it is the 50th anniversary. The company has seen customers requesting 50th anniversary shirts from as early as March when the list of national events was published, and sales have only increased as July 10 draws closer.

“We’ve been having regular orders and an increase in special orders for groups. Business has been solid,” they remarked. “It’s a milestone, so shirts are moving very quickly. Most people expect us to have certain things so they just want to say that they were a part of the 50th year celebrations.”