Vendors on Beckford Street in downtown Kingston take part in the 'Christmas in the City, Downtown Comes Alive' shopping spree on Wednesday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

The massive shopping extravaganza, 'Christmas in the City, Downtown Comes Alive', has turned out to be a major success story for Jamaica's main commercial district.

Thousands of people swarmed the streets of the city on Wednesday to take advantage of the huge discounts offered by businesses throughout the town.

Yesterday, the sponsors of the event said they were happy about a job well done.

Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie said the huge turnout surpassed his expectations.

"It was just fascinating and breathtaking and we are just elated that it happened," he said.

McKenzie noted that he was happy to know there were no reported incidents of crime, even though the event went beyond 1 o'clock in the morning.

Operators still upbeat

Francis Kennedy, first vice-president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, was excited about the results of the event, saying it was the best thing to happen to the city since the 1970s.

Up to yesterday afternoon, store operators in the district were still upbeat, saying it revealed there is marked improvement to the shopping experience downtown.

Jeff Anderson, store manager at Lerner Shops, said it was a good event, transforming downtown into a calm and pleasant area.

"It's the first time for this long while we have seen life in the city in such a pleasurable way and everybody is smiling," Anderson said.

Elie Bsat of Joseph's said it was a profitable shopping spree which should occur again and again as part of efforts to rebuild the town.

Carousel store owner Tulsi Chandiram said the venture was a stepping stone towards better days for the commercial district.

It was also a major success for the police as they reported an incident-free day.

Area Four crime chief, Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps, reiterated that with an increased police presence throughout the town, there were no incidents of crime during the grand Christmas shopping venture.

The vendors who were out in their numbers along the streets in the town also reported a successful event.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com