Despite the current economic crunch being faced by many Jamaicans, it was brisk business for a number of business establishments on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day in the town of Spaldings in Clarendon.

While some establishments and individual business personnel reported a reduction in the level of business for the day, in comparison to last year, others reported that it was better than expected despite the price increases that have affected ordinary Jamaicans.

At the Super Plus food store in the busy town, long lines were evident after 1 p.m. when it appeared most shoppers turned out to do their last-minute shopping for food items in preparation for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Good business this year

However checks with a few workers at that facility, to get feedback and to compare last year's business with what took place this year, revealed that business was better last year. One worker said business was better last Christmas Eve in terms of the volume of shoppers who visited that supermarket.

By later in the afternoon however, the much-anticipated crowd grew even larger in the supermarkets in Spaldings. At Chok's Supermarket there were several customers picking up food items.

Judy Chok, manager of Chok's, said she was thankful for whatever business she did over the Christmas period.

At Azan's Department Store there were several customers making purchases of clothing and other items, even up to 2 a.m. Christmas morning. Checks with Patmore's Hardware and Lumber, about 11 a.m. Christmas Eve, revealed several customers making last- minute purchases of various items. Commenting on how the current economic conditions have affected his business this Christmas, Michael Patmore also said he could not complain.

Patmore said he experienced good business during the Christ-mas shopping period and did not see where there was any reduction in this year's Christmas' sales when compared to last year's.