MONTEGO BAY, St James — Retailers in Montego Bay, St James, have welcomed the return of the Jamaica Observer’s Takes Style Out, now dubbed Shop the Sales, event, particularly after last year’s staging was cancelled due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Among those looking forward to this year’s threeday event — which kicks off on October 29 — is Anthony Pearson of Lloyd’s Department Store.

“Because of the absence of one year we hope that the enthusiasm will be even greater this year,” said Pearson after he signed up to be part of this year’s event.

Lloyd’s is known for its wide range of clothing for men, women and children, as well as an extensive selection of gift items.

“We are definitely looking forward to a wonderful Take Style Out,” added Pearson.

Love Jewellers, located just a few metres from Lloyd’s, has also signed up for the 2026 Take Style Out, Shop the Sales, and its operator Mark Chotrani said he is also looking forward to the event.

Chotrani told the Observer that Love Jewellers has been a long-standing partner of the initiative.

“This year we are hoping for something better, especially after the hurricane.

Anthony Pearson of Lloyd’s Department Store signs up to take part in this year’s edition of the Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out, Shop the Sales.

There has been so much negative with the hurricane and so we are expecting something positive with Take Style Out,” said Chotrani.

For Raj Makhijani, owner of Real Fashion, there is also optimism about this year’s staging.

“Let’s see how this year goes, especially since this is the first time since the hurricane,” said Makhijani.

Last year, just as the Observer team had put plans in place for the annual event, the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa tore through sections of western Jamaica, including St James, forcing the cancellation of the initiative.

This year, the Observer team is back in the parish, using the week to sign up businesses for the sale period which will feature discounts for shoppers.

Brand manager for print and digital at the Observer, Taina Daley-Greenland explained that the team is working to re-establish the event in western Jamaica, particularly as its offerings continue to expand.

“Take Style Out, Shop the Sales has evolved into a bigger and more inclusive shopping experience, bringing together shoppers and business from across Jamaica for three days of exciting deals, savings and discounts,” said Daley-Greenland.

This year, Take Style Out, Shop the Sales will run from October 29 to 31 and will extend beyond fashion to include appliances, automotive offerings, hotels, spas, and automotive accessories, among other categories.

The islandwide event is supported by partners including National Commercial Bank, Fyah 105 and Edge 105 FM.

“We want to give consumers even more reasons to shop while giving businesses an opportunity to connect to new and existing customers,” added Daley-Greenland.

Mark Chotrani of Love Jewellers is joined by brand manager for print and digital at the Jamaica Observer, Taina Daley-Greenland, after signing up for the Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out, Shop the Sales.