By Jared Liddell

WITH Christmas shopping in full swing, the business community has had to adapt to the new mode of operation. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is the regular tradition to see hundreds of Guyanese taking to Regent Street to purchase toys, decorations, new drapes and even carpets, and this year, even amid a pandemic, that Guyanese tradition has not changed.
The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to Danni Persaud the owner of leading curtain and carpet supplier, Ariel’s, who gave an insight into his experience during the pandemic. He stated that since the pandemic has begun he has employed several new systems to ensure his business not just complies with the preventative guidelines but also is active in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

The company provides temperature testing as well as facilities for sanitizing of hands upon entering the Regent street store. Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that although in recent weeks the volume of customers entering the store has increased, the main priority for him is the safety of his customers and members of staff.
He stated that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge to many persons and businesses, from his estimation the turnout and customer support has been close to the normal Christmas activity.

“We have seen persons coming out as normal, we know this is a big tradition in Guyana, the feel of a Guyanese Christmas is buying new drapes and curtains, buying new carpets and rugs, and this year we haven’t really seen persons acting outside of that,” said Persaud.

The businessman stated that this year he has been met with a challenge of not being able to import his usual quota of new and more eye-catching items but he is extremely appreciative of the support that he has gotten from his customers.

“I guess because of the COVID and so we didn’t bring so many goods as last year, but the good thing this year is that we were able to sell a lot of the old stock that we have, so we cleared out a lot of goods so I would say we did good enough. We’re happy with the way things are going, there wasn’t any decrease, everyone is still in the charismas spirit, everyone is still celebrating and looking to buy items, and we are very appreciative of it,” Persaud explained.

Meanwhile, the owner of Toy Land on King Street Nafeeza (only name given), echoed similar sentiments stating that although many persons were at a disadvantage because of the COVID-19 pandemic it has not stopped the regular Christmas shopping traditions. She stated that she has seen many parents turn out excited to be able to purchase items that would put a smile on the face of their children.

“As business persons, we are accustomed to one thing around this time, especially the toy distributors and those persons that sell household items. When Christmas comes around we know children must have toys. Without the toys there is no Christmas, and we have come to know this, even some of the businesses around me tell me when I put my toys out then they feel Christmas is here. Christmas is a time everybody looks out for,” said Nafeeza.
She added that she has also had to employ systems to ensure that she and her customers and their children are protected from the COVID-19 virus, which includes ensuring all persons are utilising their face masks and hand satirizers.

Nafeeza told the Pepperpot Magazine that due to the pandemic some of the regular items that she would have wanted to purchase have been put on hold because some of the companies have not been able to meet the quota and even had shipping issues.

Nafeeza stated that she is cognizant of the fact that many persons have been met with tragedy this year and said that she has worked to ensure that her quality toys are sold at a reasonable price so that she could help children to enjoy this season.

“It’s not like last year. I understand that a lot of people did not work during the pandemic. Things have been bad for some people but they’re still shopping the toys because they believe in toys for children. I mean when you have children they want them to be happy so they will buy for them, but what has been happening is that people shop early and then it slow for a little and then I think they’re going to shop again,” said the Toy Land owner.