Local retailers rang in the sales during last week’s Freeport Flash Friday promotions, hosted by the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau, (IGBSBB) of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA). With more than 100-stores participating for the initiative’s 2nd year, the citywide sales event designed to stimulate the island’s economy, brought an even bigger and better shopping experience to residents.
GBPA President, Ian Rolle, described the 2nd annual Freeport Flash Friday event as a success. “Freeport Flash Friday continues to gain traction as our one-day, citywide sales event, where shoppers have an opportunity to enjoy savings from a variety of participating stores.” Rolle commented.
“This year’s event was extremely well supported by many of the major retailers, including Dolly Madison, Kelly’s, Colombian Emeralds, Park and Shop, Paint Fair, Parfum de Paris, Home Design Center and many more. It was great to see the crowds and persons taking advantage of the sales all around town. I thank all of the residents that came out and shopped with local businesses, and I applaud our Licensees and merchants on supporting this initiative; its continued success bodes well for us all.” Rolle continued.
Long lines at cash out and parking lots filled to capacity were a common scene around the city as residents got out and enjoyed discounts and savings at participating stores.
Local businesses endorsed the Port sponsored event, noting its value to the local economy. Business owner and member of the Downtown Freeport Business Association’s Board of Directors, Alex Thompson shared, “Both Signature Choices and Genesis Street Gear were happy to get on board with Flash Friday again this year because it’s a huge help. This initiative offered small businesses like mine, the perfect opportunity to market our brand, our products and our sales for free; you can’t beat that….. I encourage small businesses especially, to be a part of next year’s event and get the opportunity to have their stores promoted free of charge,” she added. “The more we as business owners buy-in to Flash Friday the better the event will be for everyone. This event improves creativity amongst businesses, the customers benefit from the savings and the economy wins, because people are shopping and supporting local businesses. We are stronger together,” Thompson concluded.
“The objective of Freeport Flash Friday is to encourage residents to shop at home for the holidays—to invest in our local economy by supporting local businesses,” Newbold said. “Grand Bahamian consumers pump tens of millions of dollars into the Florida economy each holiday season via in-store and online purchases. Flash Friday is our way of trying to keep as much of that money as possible in the local economy to help create and sustain employment,” he explained.
Freeport Flash Friday was GBPA’s first event to ‘kick off’ the holiday shopping season. Business Services Manager for the IGBSBB LaShawn Dames, shared that residents can look forward to additional events and shopping initiatives as the Christmas holiday approaches.
“GBPA’s BUY Local, SHOP at HOME promotions will continue throughout December with future events, including the Christmas Character Parade & Toy Distribution at Port Lucaya Marketplace on Dec. 15th, a Downtown Jingle, SHOP & Mingle event on Dec. 16th and Midnight Madness for those last minute shoppers, which has become the signature shopping event in Downtown, on Dec. 22nd,” Dames stated.
As holiday sales continue, Newbold encourages residents to buy local and shop at home. He adds, “These kinds of initiatives have a positive impact on local businesses and we at the Grand Bahama Port Authority will continue to promote opportunities that stimulate spending in our economy.”
