Sold-out Sando stores wait for laptop stocks

Management of MUSIC.COM in Calton Centre, High Street await new stocks in await of the new school term starting next week. - CHEQUANA WHEELER
Management of MUSIC.COM in Calton Centre, High Street await new stocks in await of the new school term starting next week. - CHEQUANA WHEELER

Laptops, tablets and notebook computers have been sold out for almost two weeks at several stores on High Street, San Fernando.

Sales representatives said mostly parents came in looking for “best prices” on the devices.

With school set to reopen on September 14, classes have moved to an online format, as one of the regulations in place to combat covid19.

At Carlton Centre, the manager at Music.com, who did not want to be named, said they ran out of stock about two weeks ago.

She said, “Our sales increased significantly and because our suppliers raised their prices, we also raised ours. We really did not have a choice.

“We are hoping to get new stock within a month or so, but we cannot say what the prices would be like, given the tax removal announced by the government.”

Sales representative Shivanand Somlal at GFM Phonecity, also at Carlton Centre, said they only carried tablets, and were out of stock by the start of the month.

He said, “The prices ranged from $700 to $1,400, based on the device specifications. We hope to restock soon, and so far, it looks like the prices will remain the same.”

Another sales representative, Alejandro Garcia, at First Priority Music at RRM Plaza said the store had had an increase in sales for laptops, tablets, webcams, microphones and headsets.

He told Newsday, “We only have about four tablets remaining, and since the influx of customers, the managers have reduced the prices on some of the items.

“The price on headphones in particular were reduced. Prices should be adjusted when we get a new supply.”

On Friday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced with immediate effect the removal of taxes on the devices.

In a tweet he said, “Based on a submission from the Ministry of Finance, in keeping with the commitment given in our 2020 General Election Manifesto, Cabinet agreed to remove all taxes on laptop computers, notebook computers and tablet computers. This measure takes effect immediately.

“Taxes are earmarked to be removed on the other devices mentioned on page 35 of our Manifesto, such as mobile and digital equipment, cell phones, software and accessories in the Finance Act of 2020, after the completion of the Budget Debate, in or around December 2020.”

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