Head of San Fernando chamber happy for Xmas sales

Considering the pandemic caused the closure of businesses for several months, San Fernando saw an increase in sales in the final week before Christmas, said the president of the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC).

"Going into the last week before Christmas, businesses are getting increases in retail activities," Kiran Singh told Newsday, adding, "It is not the increase we have received in years gone by. It is not like last year’s Christmas.

"But we have to thank God for small mercies."

GSFCC has been spreading cheer and keeping the spirit of giving alive this season. Singh said on Tuesday, the chamber distributed 100 electronic tablets to students from 25 schools in south Trinidad to help with online learning.

A hustle and bustle were visible in the streets of San Fernando.

At High Street, scores of people told Newsday they were searching for the "best deals." Community police distributed flyers on road safety tips and traffic flowed slowly.

But street vendors said while more people were out compared to previous days, the large number did not mean large sales.

Vendor Angela Campo said passers-by were looking at items and not buying them.

"There are a lot of people, but there is no crowd buying. Yesterday and today (Friday), a lot of people came out. We are only getting one-one sales.

"The mats are a hot seller.

"Christmas now is not as it was long ago," she concluded.

Another vendor who identified himself only as Marcus said he came out early to sell handbags and purses.

Marcus said hopefully, "I feel by weekend things will pick up. Today many people came to Sando sales are slow."

Many store managers said they were too busy to be interviewed.