Uptown vs Downtown- which is the better place to shop?

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

Traditionally, Downtown Kingston has always been a shopping haven for consumers who want to pay the lowest prices on merchandise.
The Coronation market boasts a lot of visitors since its vendors offer the best prices in Kingston on fruits and vegetables.

Not to be outdone by the established stores, the street vendors are very much a part of the culture of Downtown. They offer a variety of goods sometimes laid on a tarpaulin and at other times draped on their arms.

These vendors are usually willing to negotiate the price with their customers and often offer the same products sold Uptown but at a lower price. Uptown stores are often not as flexible with their price and even when they have sales their discounted price is still relatively higher.

Is shopping in Downtown safe?
Let’s be realistic, every city has crime and since there are a lot of persons doing business in Downtown there is always a chance that violence will erupt. Bear in mind though that crime has no fixed address and can affect you regardless of where you shop.

However for the most part I find it to be a positive experience. If you are alert and keep an eye on your valuables you are relatively safe.

I do find the parking to be challenging at times as you generally have to park too far away (in my opinion) from the shopping areas.

What does shopping Uptown offer?
I suppose convenience is a plus as Uptown stores usually have adequate parking and less crowds but the prices definitely have consumers feeling the pinch.
Especially in these financially strained times when every dollar counts going a little farther does not seem like much of a hardship.

Sizzling Summer Deals in Downtown
The Government is realizing the importance of utilizing the consumer demand for lower prices as Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) stages its annual ‘Downtown Sizzling Summer Savings’.
‘This year, the three-day shopping extravaganza will be held from July 25 to July 27 in partnership with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Vendors and Higglers’ Association.’

Click to read the full article http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130716/news/news91.htm
The sale will be staged at The St. William Grant Park in Downtown and promises consumers discounts up to 70% on selected items. There will also be other attractions such as a kiddie village and food court.

So where will you be shopping this summer? Let me hear from you!

Tags: prices, saving