MONTEGO BAY, St James — Not even the heavy early evening showers associated with Hurricane Joaquin could put a damper on shoppers’ quest to capitalise on bargains offered at stores participating in the Jamaica Observer’s yearly Takes Style Out (TSO) in Montego Bay last Thursday.

Most of the sales activities were concentrated, however, at outlets along St James Street and the Fairview Shopping Centre in the resort city.

Anthony Pearson, the managing director of Lloyd’s Department Store was encouraged by the flow of shoppers into his Fairview and St James Street establishments.

“There are two types of shoppers – you have the shoppers for TSO who will look for the bargains. But then the smart shopper now is looking for the new merchandise which they are getting at a significant discounted price. And that’s why our base of 25 per cent discount is significant. Anything them [shoppers] touch, the minimum discount is 25 percent, and that is significant,” Pearson said.

Pearson, a seasoned businessman, argued that the event pumps life into retailing.

“TSO has injected some life into retail, which at this time of the year is quite dormant and sluggish. So the timing is now good because it gives us a little breather between back-to-school and it has injected some life into retail, which wouldn’t have been there. All things considered it is much appreciated and I think retail therapy is at its best,” Pearson said.

Remekie McIntosh, manager of Maxi’s Department store was equally upbeat about sales at his Fairview Shopping Centre location.

“We had a big rush at 5:00pm and then the rains came and it slowed down. But the shoppers kept coming after the rain. I think people have really grabbed on to the whole concept of Takes Style Out,” he said.

Fontana MoBay located in the Fairview Shopping Centre, also reported brisk business.

There, a large turnout of shoppers was on hand to capitalise on the huge discounts. Many of the shoppers came before the 5 o’clock official start of TSO.

Like retailers, customers were equally satisfied.

A male shopper, who gave his name as ‘Flexa’, was elated at the bargain he got purchasing a pair of Reebok sneakers for his brother at Peter’s Fashion on St James Street.

“Mi a buy one Classic for mi [brother]. The Styles Out thing cut down some of the prices and that is what I respect. So Styles Out valuable, and we give thanks,” he told the Observer West.

Shopper Paul Campbell was also pleased with the discounted prices.

“At most of the places, the prices are reasonable. So far so good. It is a good little venture,” Campbell said.