There was a buzz of excitement in the air as eager shoppers milled around and moved from one bookstand to the next at yesterday's opening ceremony of Sangster's 12th book store.

The new store, which is located at 95¹/² King Street, downtown Kingston, has been a hive of activity since last Thursday, says Branch Manager Aileen Moodie.

It offers a unique distinction, as Moodie explains that it is the only branch that offers school uniforms.

"As it goes with our logo 'We Have It All,' it's just right for us to include uniforms," said Moodie.

Tremendous response

The store opens at 9 a.m. and Moodie says the response has been tremendous with many pleased shoppers passing through.

"People are glad to find out that the books are here and they don't have to go all the way to the bottom (King Street), they are just right here, pretty close to Parade."

There is a wide variety textbooks, stationery, inspirational and general books, cellphones and watches available at the store and the shoppers were all too pleased to peruse them, as they moved from shelf to shelf.

Giveaways

With several giveaways of Sangster's school bags, knapsacks, back-to-school goodies such as notebooks and pencils, Roxanna Greenwood, who was buying books for her four-year-old son, had many reasons to celebrate.

"I think it is much cheaper," she said.

Another shopper who declined to give her name also boasted that the book store was the cheapest.

"I think at Sangster's I get a better deal," she said.

Sharon Hay-Webster, member of parliament for South Central St Catherine, officially opened the store, with the assistance of Franklin McGiddon, board chairman of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica.