With the establishment of over seven supermarkets on the Mackenzie shore alone in Linden, Lindeners can now enjoy a wide variety of choices for their Christmas shopping, compared to previous years when they had to journey to Georgetown to do so.

Grocery shopping was very hard for Lindeners, even in the recent past, after its main shopping centre, ‘Crescent Shopping Plaza’, closed its doors some year ago. To experience that supermarket feeling, Lindeners had to journey to the capital city as well as to access many products that were not available at the small grocery and variety stores in the market arena.

This situation has changed and more noticeable, is that the community of Amelia’s Ward which is a residential community, also has two supermarkets, thus negating the need for residents to take transportation to go down to central Mackenzie to do shopping.

Most of these supermarkets are Chinese owned and while they initially commenced with the selling of groceries, they have now extended to variety supermarkets and Lindeners can access a wide variety of products including clothes, cosmetics, toys, household items and decorations under one roof. Owner of one of the extended supermarkets Yeng Yu told the Guyana Chronicle that his family moved to Linden because he realised there was a need and as that need grew, they decided to expand. He said that business is good and he has not regretted his decision.

One of the most supported locally-owned supermarkets is Jermaine and Family, which expanded from Jermaine’s Cheap Shop. The supermarket is one of the largest and provides a wide variety of items at very competitive prices in a shopping-friendly environment. It is currently expanding its upper flat which will be a furniture and electronic store. This festive season, Jermaine and Family Supermarket, is giving back to the Linden community with several house hold items up for grabs after a grand drawing. Jermaine and Sons’ also has a supermarket on the Wismar shore and another variety store and is providing employment to over 50 Lindeners.

This publication spoke to a few residents who were shopping in the supermarket on Sunday who said that this year, Christmas in Linden is way better, since much more is available in the town. “Before I used to go to town at Bounty, every Christmas and that used to cost me passage, taxi fare, you have to buy thing to eat and all of that, plus if you compare the prices, sometimes some of the things far more expensive than in Linden, so yes I am happy that several supermarkets are open to make shopping easier for Lindeners.”

Another shopper said, “not only Christmas but before, every month I used to go to town and shop at Mattai’s, but now we don’t have to do that, we have our own supermarket right here and this is good for us, I am happy about this.”

While several vendors in the market arena have described sales as somewhat slow compared to previous years, they are optimistic that on Christmas Eve, more persons will come out and support them.