Christmas shopping in Georgetown

With Christmas only 12 days away, many excited shoppers are either in the process of concluding their holiday shopping, or are about to commence shopping for this season’s special gifts.

Gerald, a father of two said he is a “smart shopper”, as he usually shops all year round to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.

“I would buy my things right through the year so I don’t have to worry about rising prices or be in the midst of the confusion.”

However, his eight-year-old daughter, speaking to this publication explained that she is still in search of her ideal Christmas present.

“I want a One Direction boots but I am not seeing any anywhere. It looks like it’s sold out everywhere. I do not know what is going to happen to me now.”

This publication also spoke to a mother of one, who was quick to explain her approach: “I am now on the road checking Christmas decorations. I want to check prices at a few places before I start my shopping.”

Many of the shoppers did note that this year is a bit slower than previous years.

According to one shopper at a popular place of business, “Christmas around this time last year was already busy.”

Alex, a youngster shopping with his father took time out to share his views with this publication: “I can recall last year we had already completed our shopping and decorated out home already but this it now that we are on the road to do some shopping.”

While many shoppers shared mixed views of the religious holiday they are still looking forward to a “Merry Christmas”.

The Muslim holiday—Youman Nabi—was celebrated on Monday, however, shoppers were not swayed as they carried on with their shopping through the streets of the city.

A few overseas-based Guyanese were spotted in the midst of the holiday bustle; they expressed elation to be part of the Christmas preparation. Unfortunately, they noted that they would not be spending Christmas in Guyana, as they will be travelling back to the United States to their respective homes.

Amidst the bustle, the business community is hopeful that business will improve, even though sales have declined, as compared to last year.

One business owner speaking to this publication made it known that his total sales for this first quarter of the month was far less than he expected.

“Business is far lower than I expect, people are still coming to just look around and go away. Last year time like this we were already busy restocking but this year I cannot say the reason for this.”

He added too that he also operates a grocery store, which is not performing to his expectation: “The grocery store barely selling as well, I don’t know if people is not cooking or eating for this Christmas or if they planning on buying really late. I really hope that business pick up so we all can enjoy this Christmas.

Several other business owners echoed similar sentiments with some remaining optimistic.