Earlier you heard from storeowners about how sales have been this year. The reaction was mixed. Most owners say sales were sluggish at first but agree that it surged in the last week. But for consumers beset by an increasing cost of living which is dictated by the rising cost of everything from fuel to butane to bread to flour, was there enough left to still see Christmas. Well there was - because the old rule holds true: Christmas brings its own money. Keith Swift found out how today.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This was the scene on Albert Street and this was what it looked like inside the Ro-Mac's Plaza this afternoon as a crush of last minute shoppers crowded downtown Belize City. Most of these last minutes shoppers like Charlene Vasquez came out today specifically in search of those last minute deals.
Charlene Vasquez: It is the holiday and the season for it.
KS: What did you come out here hoping to find?
Charlene Vasquez: Good deals and toys and different things for the kiddies.
KS: Have you found them?
Charlene Vasquez: Not as yet but i am going to look around some more.
KS: Why did you wait until today to shop?
Charlene Vasquez: On the 24th it is much cheaper.
But most didn't wait until today to shop. Alicia Ramirez had already bought most of her things and was in Brodies picking up a few extras she needed - and the same goes for Rone Lewis who we met in A&R Store.
Rone Lewis: I am trying to get a gift for my son.
KS: Have you gotten through all your shopping?
Rone Lewis: Yes.
KS: How has this Christmas shopping been going in terms of money?
Rone Lewis: Great.
KS: You've been able to get everything you needed?
Rone Lewis: Yes sir everything.
KS: Are you better off this Christmas than last year?
Rone Lewis: Yes. I have a new baby so it's better off this year.
Alicia Ramirez: I need to give some gifts. Last minute. I work and so I don't have much time, I think it is a good day.
A good day but these shoppers tell me that more than anything - they were searching for good prices in what was overall - a bad year for them economically.
KS: Have you gotten everything you need?
Daisy Thurton: Oh yes everything I got which I needed. This year is really expensive so it cut us off a lot of little things we wanted more and more but we can't get more and more so we get the little bit which we would get and we got everything going straight.
KS: How has this Christmas been going for you?
Verna August: Well it is not bright like first but we are trying to get there.
KS: A lot of people say no money deh.
Verna August: That is true, no money noh deh but we have to find it when these seasons come around.
KS: Are you buying less this year?
Verna August: Oh yes sure.
KS: You have less money to spend?
Verna August: Well I wouldn't say less money - we just have enough...cause things high right now, you know.
But the question is if that "enough" - will truly be "enough" to keep retailers happy.
Again if you still have last minute shopping to do, most stores are still open.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
