Half of respondents to a GRTU Christmas shopping survey have reported that business this year was at the same level as last year.

Five percent said there was a slowdown of under five percent and an equal amount reported a decrease of five percent to 10 percent.

Another 10 percent said their business had dropped by between 20 and 40 percent.

No respondent reported growth of over 20 percent, but 10 percent said they enjoyed growth of between five and 10 percent, while 20 percent of respondents saw growth of under five percent.

The GRTU said some shop owners registering high sales played it safe when it came to stocks, focusing on top selling items. Offers and incentive schemes proved very popular, with 75 percent going for this option.

In order to attract more customers and boost sales, some retail outlets started their sales early, or offered gifts.

“Various shop owners were of the opinion that the country is at the moment passing through a period of uncertainty and that consumers were refraining from spending their money as they were awaiting higher utility bills, among other reasons” the GRTU said.

The busiest business day was December 8, and although businesses had expected this level of business to continue into Christmas, their hopes did not materialise.

The chamber said that while sales are still underway businessmen are complaining that business has not yet caught up.