March 6, 2009 — The parking lot at Sunny Isle was full of vehicles and people carrying plastic shopping bags with purchases Thursday, but store mangers and owners said the recession has cut into sales.
Juan Deliz, manager at Kmart at Sunny Isle, said he could tell the figures are down from last year.
"People are just buying what they need," said Deliz. "The number of employees is the same, fortunately we have not had to lay people off. Job layoffs have not really affected us in the Caribbean yet."
The U.S. Labor Department reported Friday that employers slashed 651,000 jobs in February while the nation's unemployment rate jumped to 8.1 percent in February.
Emily Saab, manger at Unique women and children's clothing store on St. Croix, echoed Deliz, saying sales were slower than usual and people are buying only what they really need.
"To me it looks like things will get worse," Saab said. "Rent is very high here at Sunny Isle and we have to pay the light and water bill. Sometimes we go all day without any sales. We are planning to cut staff."
Lil Shoes seems to be holding steady with sales, according to Roy Ruiz, owner of the store for 15 years. Ruiz says his business has stayed about the same with good days and bad.
"My main concern is to get people in the store. To attract people I offer 50 to 70 percent off the latest new shoes," Ruiz said.
People looking for bargains seem to be the trend at Office Max too, according to Miguel Antonia, furniture manager.
"I noticed people are seeking more discounts," said Antonia. "They are looking for senior citizen and military discounts. There are people just shopping for items advertised on sale in our fliers."
Joyce Samartino was at Office Max with her grandson just picking up what they needed.
"I've never been an over-spender," said Samartino. "Wisdom takes over in my shopping habits so my shopping habits haven't changed."
At Bougainvillea Perfumeria, selling high end fragrances for men and women, supervisor Ana Gussman said sales are down a bit from last year. "People aren't really spending money on luxury items like perfume," said Gussman.
"Valentines Day was good but it has slowed down. The next holiday we are looking forward to is Mother's Day."
Mini World jewelry store, which has been at Sunny Isle for 30 years has seen a slowdown in gold sales, said owner Ram Bansal.
"This is the slowest we have been in years. The price of gold is up and that has had an effect on us," Bansal said. "We have very moderately priced jewelry and try to give the best possible price. We wish for the very best but we may have to reduce employees' hours."
Paul Octave, who has been manger at Urban Threadz for 10 years, said business is definitely down. Urban Threadz sells trendy designer fashions for young people.
"We have had to do a little cutting back on staff since fashion is not on people's minds right now," Octave said. "We are surviving with our bread and butter basics like jeans, shorts and T-shirts."
Urban Threadz owner Michael Harris said they are keeping their heads above water. "These cycles go up and down in the clothing business," said Harris. "But nothing as severe as this point — but it will get better."
Deidre Warden, who was enjoying lunch with a friend at McDonalds in the new food court at Sunny Isles said she has not changed her shopping patterns.
"I don't think the recession has fully affected us yet," said Warden.
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