MANUFACTURERS are unsure whether to be excited or wary as the Christmas battles with the election to dominate the marketplace.

One textile company that did not wish to be named said its management had been apprehensive prior to the start of the festive season as widespread uncertainties tend to affect business. Christmas is usually a busy time as numerous parties and events are held, increasing the demand for personalised T-shirts and other printing requirements.

There has been no negative impact so far, if anything, business has been “good” said a representative. With election campaigning now on in earnest, the demand for the company’s services have grown significantly as candidates order shirts, hats and other items for their supporters. These orders are large and coming from several sources, so the demand remains high for now, she said.

This is to be expected, said Brian Pengelley, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA). Shirt-makers are one sector that will benefit most from an election campaign, he said, adding that beverage manufacturers should also do well.

Members of the association have not reported any major concerns, Pengelley said. The performance expectations of businesses come from both ends of the spectrum. While some think that there will be a reduction in sales given the tensions associated with an election, others are confident that the election will further boost the increased sales that come with Christmas. “It could go either way”, he told the Business Observer.

Even if the situation sours, manufacturers should not do too badly as most will soon have completed their major deliveries. Those that are off to a late start will need to hurry as “there is money to be made”, he said.

The JMA was established to promote the development of the manufacturing sector and increase its contribution to the socio-economic welfare of the country by creating jobs and improving the standard of living for all. It represents manufacturers in all the sub-sectors as well as institutions and organisations which provide services to those businesses.

“We’re not doing badly. However, I know that there are other companies that aren’t doing as well”, said one sales manager who also declined to be identified. “The election is definitely a stimulus of sorts for some businesses, but others are no better or worse off than before because of what they have to offer”. He expects that the season will be better than last year given the improving economy, but, this will tempered by greater costs of production.

Pengelley declined to comment specifically about the association’s views on the election and its possible impact on the sector. Instead, he said the nation needs to brace itself for any eventualities.

“Every sector will have to bear some pain. Some things we may not like but we need to be prepared,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister’s “bitter medicine” comment was a warning to all.