A few weeks ago Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan would have enforced the 2 am cap on nightlife. While the ‘Ramjaclock’ cap doesn’t affect me personally and I wasn’t remotely moved by it, it did cause me to reflect on the potential impact it could have on retail fashion and other linked businesses – apart from the clubs and bars.
On a typical night out, which is basically once every four-five months for me, I tend to indulge. New dress, a booked make-up-artist and of course the mandatory salon trip. Going to the club incorporates at least three different expenses spread up amongst three different small businesses. I don’t think I am the only woman in Guyana who has a ‘club game splurge.’ Some get new weaves and some get new nails. It’s a ‘thing’ for some of us. Don’t judge. Different folks, different strokes.
Whilst everyone has been talking about how the beverage and entertainment industries will somehow suffer, quite a few of us have totally ignored the main man, who, of course, is the consumer. What does the consumer now want and what will he or she now settle for? Do all consumers feel the same way? Will our behavior patterns remain the same? Do we still want to spend as much now?
I remember living in UK during a period when the economy was going through a recession and immediately there were all these marketing ploys to get consumers to spend, enticing us into thinking that we were saving a pound here and there. Marketers know that when there are
