Christmas shopping not the same without Bobby’s - customers
“Since they close, or even before, who we use to come out here and selling we little stock we can’t get to do it now since they set up things like this shoving we out.” complained one vendor.
On August 24, 2013 when a number of customers turned up at the Road Town branch of Bobby’s Supermarket, they were greeted by hand written signs on rough pieces of cardboard and other materials indicating that the store was closed for renovation.
This was met with much speculation, one of which was that the business was allegedly facing serious financial troubles. However, when contacted the business owner Mr Elton Leonard said that he was closing only for renovations. At that time he had declined to give an indication as to when the store would have reopened.
While there has been every evidence of renovation works continuing, still no word has been forthcoming as to a possible reopening date.
Several vendors have since taken the opportunity afforded them to conduct their business at the frontage but they claimed that for almost a week now they have not been able to do business as usual. “We all know it’s not an official thing but everybody got to live.” one complained.
The block has since been converted into an otherwise commercial block with the erecting of trestles that circle the entire area.
Meanwhile, Chief Planner in the Town and Country Planning Department, Mr Gregory W. Adams, who said he had observed the structures as recently as yesterday told this news site, “The structures were not requested of my office nor approved by my office.”
Though the idea was a welcome one for more convenient shopping for some people, others have insisted the regular Christmas atmosphere in the area has not been the same. “We accustomed to the area being nicely decorated with lights and Christmas decorations by Mr Elton, we miss shopping this year at Bobby’s,” said one woman. Similar sentiments have also been expressed by several others.
When contacted earlier this month, Mr Leonard indicated he was still not in a position to give a date for reopening but suggested that he would have loved to have the store back in full swing for the Christmas season. He could not be reached for further comment over the past few days.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
32 Responses to “Christmas shopping not the same without Bobby’s - customers”
B-lo chasing them away in a smart way.
Unfortunately, many of the other merchants hold tightly to the greenbacks (that we cannot carry with us) and they mimic Scrooge around this time, only concentrating on how much they can amass. Not even to spruce up the atmosphere with some decent decorations.
It is unfortunate that we never miss the water til the well runs dry. I wish Elton well in completing his renovations and returning to the forefront soon. Bobby's is a trendsetter, and has been so from the early days when Bobby and Ionie sold their products from that little building on Main Street ....from humble beginnings.
Truth be told, the area looks quite tacky with those unsightly shelves in the parking lot. Don't we have an active Beautification Committee anymore? Sad.
By the way, where can I get those bags of nuts that used to be on sale around Christmas? Can't find them yet, and I need some for tomorrow!