MONTEGO BAY, St James – Scores of retailers across western Jamaica who will be participating in the Jamaica Observer’s celebration of Take Styles Out (TSO) next Thursday, are excited about the initiative, despite the tough economic conditions.

They believe that the event will be beneficial to both retailers and shoppers.

“I am very excited about Styles Out. Despite the economic challenges and the recent shopping for back-to- school items, we are still expecting to do very well,” ,” said Hope Sterling, proprietor of Fashion Hut and Sterlings Refrigeration located on Market Street in Montego Bay.

She said preparing for the shopping spree, which begins at 5:00pm and ends at 10 ‘clock, are in high gear, adding that shoppers can expect a wide array of merchandise including the latest in fashion, at massive discount prices.A clerk at Maxi Department store on St James St displays one of the items that will be on sale tonight.(L-R) LOGAN… proprietor of Everything Else. PEARSON… Last year was phenomenal and we expect this year to be the same(L-R) CRUMP… Let the shopping begin! STERLING… proprietor of Fashion Hut and Sterlings Refrigeration

“Shoppers will experience discounts ranging from 10 to 50 per cent on a number of top class brand including Nine West, Clarks, Bruno Valenti, American Eagle, Misha, Gap…… just to name a few,” said Sterling.

Natalie Reid, the store manager at MK Mart, located on St James Street in Montego Bay is also very excited about the event and is looking forward to a “sales blitz particularly during this slow period.”

“We are really looking forward to it. Times are slow and we need the boost,” said Reid, adding that the store will be offering discounts on selected items ranging from five to 50 per cent on clothing, shoes, appliances and many other items.

Tina Sharoff, proprietor of Voila Botique in the Shoppes of Rose Hall told the Observer West that they will be offering discounts of between 10 and 50 per cent on items, including clothing, jewellery purses, shoes, handbags and belts.

“We are all hoping that sales will boom because we will be having great discounts and we will be creating the right atmosphere for shopping,” said Sharoff, pointing out that refreshments will be provided for shoppers.

And Cleon Stewart, the owner of Jewel Box on Great George Street In Savanna-la-Mar in welcoming the initiative said he is projecting an upswing in sales.

His optimism is based on feedback from customers.

” I am expecting the people will come out and shop and take advantage of the huge discounts that we will be offering on perfumes, jewellery and small electronic items,” said Stewart, adding that persons have said that they will be coming out in their numbers to shop next Thursday.

Businessman and former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Davon Crump believes that Jamaica Observer’s celebration of Takes Styles Out is an excellent initiative and will undoubtedly stimulate the economy.

” There is no doubt that the event will give an added boost to the economy especially during this slow period. It is really an excellent idea,” Crump stressed.