MONTEGO BAY, St James — Scores of retailers and shoppers participating in Jamaica OBSERVER CELEBRATES FASHION’S NIGHT OUT (FNO) across western Jamaica on Thursday night have described the experience as a “tremendous success”.

In the resort city, where retailers were participating for the second consecutive year, many reported that sales were better than last year.

“It (FNO) was good; it was better than last year… the customers really took advantage of our low prices,” said Anthony Pearson, manager of Lloyd’s Department Store on St James Street.

Shoppers, he said, started packing the store from 5:00 pm.

Hope Sterling of Sterling’s Fashion Hut and Sterling’s Refrigeration on Market Street, said sales were excellent, noting that she was more prepared than last year.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Sandra Williams of Maxie’s Department Store in the Fairview Shopping complex, who said that she started offering discounts from early Thursday morning.

Charmaine Fegurson, manager of the nearby Rapid True Valu store, said her store experienced a lot of traffic and improved sales over last year.

Stores in Whitter Village in Ironshore also reported good business.

Renae Ferguson, who bought shoes at Maxie’s and a pair of sunglasses at Xtra’s, said she got discounts between 15 and 20 per cent on her items and believes that FNO is an excellent idea.

“FNO is a good initiative. It benefits the customers and the retailers,” she argued.

In Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland — which had its inaugural staging of FNO — the town centre was transformed into a party atmosphere, amidst a shopping frenzy, as bargain seekers converged on participating stores.

The consensus among the participating retailers was that the event boosted sales which were traditionally sluggish during this time of the year.

“This is more than party time, I wouldn’t mind if we had Fashion’s Night Out every other two weeks, or every now and again because believe me: this work,” proprietor of Conrad Unique Fashion told the Sunday Observer.

His views were replicated by Carol Boothe of Di Men’s Fashion Wear.

“It is a big difference,” Boothe argued.

She, however, opined that the sales would have been better if the event was staged further down the year, as the back-to-school shopping had sapped the pockets of shoppers.

This perspective was mirrored by Brenton Dale of Brenton Boutique.

“It a go on, but it is so near to back-to-school. I think the event should be pushed back to November next year.”

Meanwhile, even close to 10:00 pm there was still a heavy flow of shoppers streaming into Bashco.

“It no make no sense. Even if you buy something, the line is so long you can’t get through,” a woman was overheard telling her friend at the entrance to the store.

Debbie and Dean, a couple who were observed leaving a store with loaded shopping bags, chorused , “We most definitely support the event.” But Dean suggested that it should be held closer to payday.

Meanwhile, a shopper who only gave her name as Valerie was very grateful for the lower prices.

“I like it. I got some real good bargains,” she said.

The general consensus amongst retailers and shoppers in Savanna-la-Mar was that the FNO concept is an excellent one.

“This is the first year. We just getting used to the concept but I am sure will be back on board next year,” promised Michelle Larmound, the proprietor of Ray Ray.

Merchants offered discounts of between five and 70 per cent on selected items during the five-hour shopping blitz.

In the seaside town of Falmouth, which also had its inaugural staging, retailers said that they were already looking forward to next year’s event.

“We made additional sales; it is a good effort and we promise to make it better next year,” said Florence Logan, the proprietor of Everything Else.