TSO readies to hit the street
BUSINESS owners and consumers are now gearing up for the highly-anticipated Jamaica Observer annual shopping event Take Style Out tomorrow. The event, which is now in its seventh staging is aimed at stimulating retail sales islandwide by offering of up to 80 per cent discounts on a number of items including household products, clothing and shoes.
Participating stores will open their doors from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm to facilitate the crowds the event is expected to bring. Take Style Out was introduced back in 2009 by the Observer’s senior editor for Lifestyle and Social Content, Novia McDonald- Whyte, after observing the impact that the one-nightonly sales bonanza event had on international department stores.
The event started as a test to boost the slow post back-to-school sales of retailers and to revive the fashion industry. Take Style Out continues to strengthen year over year, after reflecting a 20 per cent increase in participating stores last year and surpassing 2,000 retailers for this year’s event.
Sales and marketing manager at McIntosh Bedding Annette Farquharson previously told the Business Observer that customers have grown accustomed to the annual sale which results in the company doubling its daily profit.
“The past couple months have been extremely slow compared to normal activities, so let’s hope that this makes the difference,” owner of Signatures Boutique Patricia Williams stated. “So far, the store has had significant profit increase at this time every year and we are looking forward to it again.”
With Jamaica experiencing economic growth of less than one per cent over the last two quarters and declines in 2014, the event has impacted the confidence level of business owners and consumers.
Popular stores taking part in the event this year include the National Commercial Bank — which is offering customers up to 55 days to repay on credit card purchases for Take Style Out and cash back or travel rewards; House of Style, Payless Shoe Source, Ammar’s, Bashco Trading Company, Answers for Children, Western Sports and Courts Jamaica Limited.