It's now 30 hours to Christmas but the real deadline comes tomorrow: the last full shopping day before the big day. It promises to be a hectic day because in Belize City thousands of shoppers will be out in the roaring traffic boom of Albert Street trying to find that last minute treasure. Of course finding that treasure can often result in serious torment, but there is hope because even though you may only have a few small hours left, today Keith Swift did the hard work for you and checked in with some merchants for last minute bargains for you last minute shoppers.
Keith Swift Reporting,
If you are a last minute shopper a good place to start would be 'A & R' on the northern highway. The store carries from Barbie to pots and pans and since things hard, owner Tomasita Urbina says they are offering extra-reduced prices for those with a long list and a shallow pocket.
Tomasita Urbina, A & R Store
"If people buy at least $150 they can get a 10% discount and then we have some items already discounted like the special ones on 20% discount. All Christmas items which are decorations and Christmas trees and lights we have them on 20% discount so they can still decorate their place and pretty it up. In the kitchen section too we have some ceramics and some pretty nice gifts there that are discounted at 20%. And we have very cheap ones too but once they have a good amount, we always consider giving them a 10% discount or even a 15% depending on the amount that they are taking."
But if your pockets are empty, a better choice would be across the street at courts where you can do all your Christmas shopping for free - well sort of.
Anne Marie Bennett, Courts Advertising and Marketing Executive
"You don't need any money to shop at Courts this month cause its nothing down and nothing more to pay until next year so that is the first plus. But for every purchase over $50 you get a free gift so you could buy yourself a gift and if you look at the stand we have behind there, there are nice gifts that you could give as well as a Christmas gift to someone else. There is a special throughout the store and our prices are the lowest throughout Belize. In fact we stand by that and we have a lowest price guarantee policy where if you find that identical product, readily available at any store in Belize within 7 days, we will match that price and give you double the difference. So you are sure that when you shop at Courts you are getting value for your money."
But delivery in time for Christmas isn't guaranteed so more closer to the heart of the city, you might want to spend the little time you have tomorrow on Albert street. Stores from Brodies to Mikado and Venus Photos and Records are expecting last minute shoppers and are all offering Christmas Eve blowout discounts. At Mikado, it will be a last day sale.
Melissa Ramsey, Mikado Store
"We are having a special on our comforters. We are offering 10% off if you buy it today and we have $3.99 on some selected materials and for tomorrow we will be having half-price on all upholstery materials."
KS: _So for the people who really left everything like curtains and sheets for last, they can come here tomorrow and find deals?
Melissa Ramsey,
"Well we have pieces that you can get at half prices if you come in, so you should come in and check it out."
And Polo Silva down the street at Venus Photos and Records says they have personal cd players, cellphones, digital cameras, and games - and as for the discounts? Well those will be fair game tomorrow.
Leopold Silva, Venus Photo and Records
"We have a lot of items on which the prices are low. For example you can give any kid a discman, it's a CD player, for under $50. That is a top of the line gift and you can even ask for a discount when you come in. You have a lot of nice workers here at Venus who can issue a discount. We have games for kids who more money. We have a lot of Playstation games and Xbox which are very popular this year; the Playstation 2."
Over at Brodies director Curtis Musa says late shoppers will be able to save as much as 30% tomorrow.
Curtis Musa, James Brodie & Co.
"We are presently running a 20% discount on all toys and Christmas decorations and we also have up to 30% on assorted gift items in the store."
KS: _How much time will people have to shop tomorrow?
Curtis Musa,
"They will shop until 10 o'clock. We will be open until 10 tomorrow."
And like Brodies, other stores will open for extended hours to allow customers to catch up on shopping and for the stores to catch up on lackluster sales.
Curtis Musa,
"Every year we have our best time on Christmas eve. That is the best time of the year for us an we expect all the last minute shoppers to come in and we will welcome them to come in and take advantage of all the specials we have on."
Tomasita Urbina,
"Not good. Not good at all. We haven't met our target."
KS: _With only one day to go, are you banking on Christmas eve sales?
Tomasita Urbina,
"Well we are still hoping. We are still hoping that we will get something tomorrow."
And with their bets placed on Christmas eve sales, tomorrow could be a make or break day for shoppers and for stores.
And now that you've heard from the merchants, later on in the news Keith will go on the street and find out from shoppers how the Christmas is coming.
