With some supplies unavailable due to shipping delays, vendors and customers are making the most of back-to-school shopping that started last week following the announcement of the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination results.
At Abed’s on Swan Street, The City, owner Eddie Abed said there had been some challenges getting stock in the island on time. However, he added that by the end of next week all Abed’s stores would be fully stocked as they were due a shipment this week.
He said the back-to-school shopping started out as a trickle, but ever since the 11-Plus results were made known, it had turned into a waterfall. He pointed out that Abed’s had taken the decision to leave prices at what they were last year and absorb all associated costs.
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that she wants all businesses to assist where they can with the cost of living. We’ve been doing this for a very long time. We have customers that we knew when they were children and their parents were buying for back-to-school, and it is impossible for us not to heed the request of Government and so many leaders in society regarding trying to assist . . . and we’re going to do our part.” (RA)