Shoppers armed with cash, credit and debit cards descended upon shops in the Corporate Area on Thursday, October 4 for the ninth-annual Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out (TSO). The one-night-only shopping event saw thousands of shoppers ready to make the most of deals. Tuesday Social was not to be left out and attempted to hit up as many participating stores at Sovereign Centre, Manor Park Plaza, Barbican and surrounding areas. The rain was heavy and the traffic was thick but we were armed with coffee and umbrellas, and headed out.

Fontana Pharmacy is always a treat to visit. The customer service, selection and environment made for a great shopping experience. On TSO night Fontana had discounts on items in its health, home and beauty departments. Plus, customers who spent $5,000 and more got to spin a prize wheel for savings and bonus prizes. Added to that, there was wine sampling courtesy of Select Brands, a DJ and delicious squares of rum cake. The inclement weather did not deter TSO shoppers from coming in to see what was on offer. The Barbican pharmacy rounded out its TSO night with marketing activations from skincare brands and warm smiles on the faces of each staff member.

We then headed to Sovereign Centre Liguanea. Oh, Sovereign you never seem to have available parking spaces but the mall was not packed. We did our rounds but it seemed that after-school pick-up and traffic delayed shoppers in Liguanea. So we decided to head down Hope Road to Phoenix Avenue. EtAl store was full of customers. The bright, airy and well-merchandised store had happy and eager shoppers perusing the racks and trying on numerous pieces. Up the road to baby, toddler and maternity store Simply Halal Company Limited. Simply Halal’s primary business is maternity bags and baby gift registries. Expecting parents can purchase all the things needed for the hospital stay and baby’s first week at home that are all packed in a nifty and stylish maternity bag. Andrew and Rochelle Miller returned to Simply Halal on TSO night to introduce the staff to their son Caleb for whom a maternity bag was packed. And of course to buy a few well-needed items for their growing baby boy.

Back on the road again, this time to Fashion911 on Windsor Avenue. This stop was a jammed with a DJ, finger foods, wine, cocktails and extremely personable staff, and customers had no problem rocking to tunes, having a few sips of wine and finding deals. Win, win, win situation. Then we went to La Belle Femme where a number of women were being expertly fitted for bras while eyeing the store’s 50% off swimwear and lingerie items. Next stop, Manor Park.

We did not brave Construction Spring Road. Thankfully, we knew a route that bypassed traffic but had us going up through Birdsucker to Graham Heights to Cherry Gardens to Norbrook then to Manor Park. This is what we went through in the name of savings. Flirt Boutique and EyeQ Optical had regular and new customers in their stores. The staff was ready to answer questions and help shoppers with finding items. At this point, it was really pouring, but we were on a mission. Back to Sovereign. But first, a stop at Qute Lilli Things at 96 Hope Road.

Now things were a bit more happening the second time around. Ammar’s and Crocs were winding down but customers were still carefully mulling over purchases. Lee’s Fifth Avenue had quite a few customers all who were happy with the store’s 20% discount even on sale and clearance items. Tuesday Social witnessed one customer purchasing a suit and another a gift for his mother, just because. We won’t tell her the “because” was TSO! Lee’s still serviced customers past 10:00 pm and there was no pressure to get us out.