The downtown Kingston business district yesterday did not have the vibrancy it traditionally has just a few days before Christmas Day. While the relatively light consumer traffic could have been more due to rain rather than the recession, it certainly appears that, compared to Christmas shopping seasons of the past, consumers will not spend as much this year.

As the Business Observer reported last week, most businesses, including Swiss Stores, Island Grill and Maxie Department Stores, expect a decline in sales this season. And the consumers’ expectation of how much they will spend, corroborates that outlook. Here is what some consumers in downtown told the Business Observer yesterday.

Occupation: Sound System Selector, Famous

“With my situation, I am shopping but financially things are worse off, so I won’t be able to buy as much clothes as I usually buy. This year, I am going to get a small amount of clothes and some food.”

Occupation: Hairdresser, Renee

“This year, I’m just buying some clothes for my daughter. Normally I spend more, but this year is different because I just have no money.”

Occupation: Educator, Monica

“I won’t be doing anything special. The Government owes me money as an educator which they will not pay until 2010, so I cannot afford to spend excessively…For the new year, I’d love to see the Government roll back taxes.”

Occupation: Practical Nurse, Sherona

“I’m buying some gifts and clothes for the children, but it will be less (compared to prior years) because the money is not coming in as it used to and things get more expensive.”

Occupation: Construction Worker, Kenneth Williams

“Normally I shop, but I can’t really buy much gifts this year because I have way less in the pocket…I’m just buying food.”

Occupation: Job seeker, Deidre Wong

“I have two small children, so I have to buy some toys. However, compared to last year, I’m going to spend far less, especially now that my husband — who is a public sector worker — had his wage frozen.”

Occupation: Retired, McFarlane

“You just haffi buy food this year because is a survival ting — you just have to buy the essentials. In terms of gifts, that special person will just have to relax themselves.”

Occupation: Student, Nicole

“I’m just feeding my eyes this year. Normally I shop, but not this year, especially because, (unlike previous years), I can’t find a holiday job.”