Merchants hope for last minute Mother’s Day rush

SURPRISINGLY, jewelry is not a big seller as a Mother’s Day gift. In fact, according to a spokesperson for B and R Jewellers: “Mother’s and Father’s Day have no bearing on us.” Sharing that view in part was an official at Y De Lima’s, who said things were not as bright as in past years. “There are no specific orders for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s are not high volume time, but at Christmas and June we do well,” she said An official at Maraj Gold said customers have been “only looking.” She is hoping a four-day sale at the store, which started yesterday, will bring in some sales. Sales personnel at Opnet and Maraj and Sons are hoping sales will pick up by weekend.

Even florists are lamenting that sales are not as good as expected at this time of year. Spokespersons at La Tropicale Flower Shop, Flower Palace, Bajmo Selection and Avionne’s Floral Delights all said business was slower than usual, with only a few orders coming in for Mother’s Day. However, they are all anticipating a last-minute rush. Business was much better at Caribbean Flower Shop and Garden of Eden Ltd. Personnel there are already dealing with a large number of orders and are expecting even more sales from last minute shoppers.

As far as perfumes and cosmetics retailers are concerned, Parfum Parlour and Cosmetics USA have both reported that sales are slow and are hoping to capitalise on last minute rush buying. However, Penny-wise, Stetchers, Fabi’s and 5ive Senses are quite happy with the current pace of sales, with high expectations for more by weekend. President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), Gregory Aboud, told Newsday the feedback he was getting from members was that it was too early to tell how sales would go. “Usually, Mother’s Day picks up. It has already done so from last week, but it is too early to tell if it is better than last year.” Aboud said Mother’s Day was the most popular gift giving day after Christmas.