Christmas carols, rustling shopping bags and good cheer greeted arrivals at the busy Old Fort Bay Town Centre during the late night shopping and Christmas street party last Friday evening.
The New Providence Development Company Ltd (NPDCo) shops at the Old Fort Bay Town Centre in Western New Providence anchored by the successful Solomon’s Fresh Market, opened their doors way past closing time to welcome 500 plus guests to their first annual Christmas Extravaganza.
The mood was light and bright as shoppers crowded the well-stocked stores, snapping up the seasonal specials and celebratory offers.
“I don’t know where to go first,” remarked local resident Sue Williams, as she was steered into Benetton by one of a bevy of pretty girls in golden reindeer antlers. “Come in, come in,” they urged, “have a look around and try our signature Christmas cocktail.”
Each shop provided refreshments and little snacks and at centre court under a pretty tent, Keg Ranch Wines & Liquor staged a generous wine tasting while Solomon’s Fresh Market displayed and explained many deli delights, and their range of organic produce including slices of grilled Harris steaks throughout the evening.
Hitting just the right nutritional spot was Janine and Christine Carey’s delicious, freshly blended samples of high protein, wheatgrass, vitamin and mineral shots, all tasty samples from Liquid Nutrition’s unique good-for-you combinations. Mornings are the busiest. “Peak times are 8 – 10 a.m. and after school, although as word spreads we are getting busier throughout the day,” said Janine Carey a franchise partner with her sister Christine.
La Toya Bethel of Sat Sound gave 10% off most items and 5% of her flat screen TV’s with home delivery and installation. “We have a dedicated area to showcase our home theatre equipment and expertise, we’ve been busy all evening giving demonstrations.”
Dermalogical skincare centre set up a beauty station outside their new store-to-be which will open officially in early January. They were kept busy taking appointments, giving Face Mapping® analysis, advice and moisturizer top ups. “We believe this is a better space and location for us,” says owner Sarah Beek, “we’ll move up here from our present location in early January.
Bun in the Oven is not a bake shop, it is a very chic and gorgeous maternity and newborns-up-to-two, Salon. Mummies and those to be, will enjoy this heaven of tranquillity, maternal understanding and cute clothes, organic lotions and even a range of fetching undies. It has a separate room for Lamaze classes and relaxation.
Bun in the Oven is owned by yummy mummy Bianca Carter.
John Fondas, author and promoter of all things beautiful in life, is known for his excellent good taste and elegance, and style in home decor and fabulous gifts. He has the innate ability to understand and use for our benefit, the synergy of art, design and interior fashion. Find your interior inner chic and your next great gift, at The Island Store.
Japanese chef and restaurant owner Mayumi Scott used to work at Nobu in Atlantis so she is used to being busy which was just as well because Sushi Rokkan restaurant was packed from 7 pm. “We’ll be back,” said those lucky enough to get fed. Reservations advised!
After decades of dancing between the professions of photography, designing and painting, Anthony Big ‘Mo’ Morley has returned to the canvas full time and aren’t we glad! His works on display in his new arena, The Gallery at Old Fort Bay, wowed and seduced us in his stunning new gallery – a work of art in and of itself. “You’re at star,” an ardent admirer told him. Morley also shows the works of others and provides a range of frames and related services.
Spoilt for choice, His Fashion was busy all evening with undecided men wanting everything that caught their fancy. Kids in a candy store was how one woman described her two grown sons as they dithered between Kenneth Cole, Faconable and Nautica fashions and accessories. “For a change it’s all about him,” said Mrs. Boyd of Mr. Boyd as she pondered her own choices in women’s wear. Yes clever owner, Liz Covington figured she might as well sell to the ladies while their husbands dithered.
It was old friends night for Going Places Travel Agency as they greeted clients from their previous offices at Lyford Cay with goodie bags and chances to win a trip.
One of the more enduring travel agencies in this internet age, popular Manager Lyn Blake and Camille Campbell had a busy and fun evening.
Once they’d wondered about, sat down and gazed around the showroom, it wasn’t easy getting some people to leave the stunning Bahamas Design Centre West with its to- die-for creative living tableau’s, marvellous objet d’art and other home accessories.
No surprise to those who already knew of their beautiful indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories, and classic collections from Ralph Lauren Home.
Your Friendly Pharmacy scored some big points with a special offer for one night only of 10% discount on all prescriptions – if you had yours on you, and with samples of rich Christmas fruit cake and Bahamian treats. Everything needed seemed to be in place plus some items that you wouldn’t expect to find but as the owner Mr. Flowers said, the big space has allowed him to offer all that anyone had asked for in the past and more.
And so it seemed.
Vet Doctor Robert Allen will open his Happy Pets Animal Hospital in the New Year but was on hand to meet the shoppers and join in the festivities. Naughty Johnny’s restaurant will also open in the New Year.
Jane Michele Bethel, NPDCo VP Real Estate said the company was delighted that the shops had attracted such a large and enthusiastic crowd.
“We were delighted to see such a robust turnout at our First Annual Christmas Extravaganza. We achieved our objective of attracting an island-wide crowd to showcase the wide variety of stores and services available at our new Old Fort Bay Town Centre,” said the VP. “This event has set precedence for things to come… the future for the town centre is bright.”
