Momentum is building for this year’s staging of Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out (TSO), the five-hour shopping frenzy during which consumers benefit from huge discounts offered by storeowners across the island.

Road tours promoting the event are now ongoing islandwide and more than 700 operators of businesses have so far registered with the Observer to ensure that they are not left out of the economic benefits that TSO promises to bring on October 5.

Yesterday, Observer head of advertising, marketing and communications Natalie Chin said business operators who wish to register and have not yet done so can send an email to marketing2@jamaicaobserver.com for details.

In addition, they can register at the remaining road tours scheduled for today in Brown’s Town and St Ann’s Bay at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm respectively; Ocho Rios tomorrow at 10:00 am; Spanish Town on Friday, September 22 at 10:00 am; Downtown Kingston on Tuesday, September 26 at 10:00 am; Portmore in St Catherine on Wednesday, September 27 at 10:00 am; Constant Spring Road in St Andrew on Friday, September 29 at 10:00 am; and Half-Way-Tree in St Andrew on Friday, September 29 at 10:00 am.

Last year in Mandeville, showers did not prevent retailers in the fashion industry from opening for extended hours — slashing prices — and bargain hunters from making their way to the town.

First-time participants Anita Elizabeth Boutique on the Golf View Hotel property and Glitz and Fab Fashion at Lane Plaza praised the event, saying it was good for business.

Anita Elizabeth Boutique proprietor Summer James said that there was a 70 per cent increase in clientèle visiting her store.

“It was worth it,” said Store Manager Kera Swaby at Glitz and Fab Fashion.

Manager of Chaego Fashion Kesha Morga said TSO assisted with pulling customers to its new Wesley Road location. Morgan said she started giving discounts from 10:00 am and went up until 10:00 pm.

Other retailers in Mandeville who expressed satisfaction with the event were 20/20 Collections at Super Plus Centre, Glambition Fragrances and Fashions at Levy’s Plaza, and Sophia’s Subscription of Style Clothing Store.

Among the businesses in Kingston that have so far registered are Body Trendz in 7th Avenue Plaza; ShoeFly in Twin Gates Plaza; Dezign Diva Lifestyle at 12 Ocean Boulevard; and Lux Couture Boutique in King’s Plaza.

In Montego Bay, Fountain Day Spa & Salon in Whitter Village Plaza; Instyle Boutique at Westron Plaza; Discount World at 4 Market Street; Sound Love at Westron Plaza; and Best Choice at 14 St James Street have all made sure that they will be participating.

At the same time, among the businesses in Mandeville who have already signed on are Anita Elizabeth Boutique at 7b Caledonia Road; Somerset Enterprises Limited in Midway Mall; Paediatric Eye Centre in Midway Mall; Di-Trendz at Bankhouse Mall; and Designs Outfitters at Nashville Leaders Plaza.