BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
BUY BAJAN FOR CHRISTMAS
I
n
the
current
commercial climate,
businesses are doing all
that they can to stay afloat
and
ride
out
this
unprecedented economic
wave. Some businesses
are contracting, some are
diversifying, some trying
to break into overseas
markets for the first time
and yet others are developing mutually beneficial
partnerships. One thing for sure, regardless of the
strategy, businesses are seeking to raise their profile
and significantly increase their brand awareness. At
this junction is where the Barbados Manufacturers’
Association believes that it is adding great value to
its members as it seeks to heighten awareness and
facilitate visibility of many Barbadian products.
When most people think of the BMA and the
exposure that we bring to local products they
naturally think of our flagship national expo BMEX.
Undoubtedly this is the singular most effective
mechanism for bringing local, regional and national
attention to the world of Barbadian manufacturing.
However, there are several strategies that we employ
year round to promote locally manufactured
products. For example, our Brands of Barbados Buy
Bajan programme is an advertising and marketing
tool used to sensitize consumers to our products. Our
sampling programme provides opportunities for
consumers to taste, touch and experience a wide
range of products. But, at this time of year we also
pull out all the stops to ensure that when Barbadians
are looking to spruce up for Christmas or simply
purchase an array of Christmas gifts, local
possibilities are factored into their decision making.
We recently completed our 2014 Christmas Gift
Guide. This provides businesses and general
consumers with the opportunity to secure unique gift
items from chocolates, to preserves, botanicals, wines
NOV 2014
By Bobbi MaCay
and liquors and so much more. There is an array of
products for the perfect gift or token of appreciation
this holiday season.
We also launched our Manufacturer’s Directory. This
easy-to-use publication allows users to find local
manufacturers by sector. Too often people know
what they want but they are not aware of where it can
be found locally and so they settle for a foreign
product instead. This directory eliminates that
problem in one simple, easy-to use format - either
electronically or hard copy.
We know that at this time of the year people are
looking to purchase furniture, add new pieces to
existing furniture and generally freshen up their
home for Christmas. A few years ago we hosted a
showroom in Bridgetown in partnership with the City
of Bridgetown (COB) Credit Union. This year we
will be collaborating with our industry partners the
Barbados Investment and Development Corporation
(BIDC) and once again COB on a much bigger
Christmas Outlet featuring Furniture, Accessories
and Specialty Gift items. Keep an eye out for this
special venture which will be located at Unit 1a,
Bldg. #8 Spring Garden Industrial Estate. The Outlet
will open from Wednesday November 5th through
the end of December and will carry a range of
furniture, soft furnishings, pottery, art, lamps and
much more. We encourage all consumers to come
and delight in a wide range of Bajan made products
at this location.
The mantra of the BMA is buy local, support local
and we are doing all that we can to ensure that
Barbadians know where and how to source local
products. Whether you are sprucing up for Christmas
or moving into a new home, remember to source
locally manufactured products; made by Bajans for
Bajan taste and needs. For further information or to
access any of our advertised products, please contact
the BMA at [email protected].
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