This country’s retail sector reports a fall-off in sales this year of up to 50 percent due to the covid-19 pandemic and are hoping Christmas sales will help them ride out what has been a very difficult period.

Starcom Network News got an assessment of the overall situation from former President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eddie Abed, the Managing Director of Abeds Stores.

Mr. Abed says much is now riding on having a reasonably good Christmas.

Meantime, the manager of the Sheraton Centre Mall, Kelly Stoute, says it has also been a challenging year for businesses there, but sees a pick up during the holiday season.

..