…as they ignore opposition call for boycott
UNLIKE the past few weeks, when leading stores in Georgetown were closed for business and the roadways saw less traffic and shoppers, the city streets were yesterday buzzing with Christmas excitement and multitudes of shoppers.
With 11 days remaining for the Christmas celebration, shoppers of both sexes and of all age groups could be seen lining the streets, with some window-shopping, and others clutching huge, bulging bags and Christmas trees.
Many stores are opening earlier in the day and closing later than usual to facilitate shoppers. During this season, it is customary for people to frequent the stores in the evenings.
Bhena’s Footwear, known for its stylish ladies and gents shoes, with footwear available in almost any size, was packed with customers.
The Chronicle concluded that the reason for this is the many parties and other important functions that characterise this season. Not to mention ‘Old Year’s Night’ when ladies, in particular, like to step out in their fancy heels to usher in the New Year in style. 
Similarly, the curtain sections in many stores on Regent Street were buzzing yesterday with many customers who are evidently preparing to redecorate their homes for Christmas. The home appliances section also saw a significant number of persons buying new blenders and dinner sets and refrigerators and the like.
As could be observed, everyone was trying to make a dollar, from the big businessmen to the ‘small man’ on the street. There was, for example, no shortage of curtain rods on the pavements. Clocks, wall pictures, and glitzy decorations were widely displayed on the streets also.
The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown usually grants special concessions to street vendors during the holiday season for them to sell on the pavements.

Meanwhile, one Regent Street businessman told this newspaper that since marching and protests by supporters of ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU) stopped, “business pick up.”
Another store owner in the City Mall, who chose not to be identified, said it was “ridiculous” for APNU to call for a boycott of some businesses in the city. The City Mall was on the list of those that APNU said should be shunned.
The store owner also said that APNU will be hurting itself by promoting this idea, because the party relies on many of the same businesses for sponsorships to various activities. She said many of the stores in the said City Mall have supported the party from time to time.