And while the tax free offerings dominated the public imagination - we stopped by an event that featured far more specialized seasonal offerings with a serious serving of local flavor. Here's what we saw at the MSME Christmas Market:
Thousands of Christmas shoppers rushed to Belize City stores Saturday morning - but in the outdoors at Memorial Park, discriminating shoppers looking for more tailor made local products found their way to Atlantic Bank's MSME Christmas market. Their MSME Unit manager says that the event offers a showcase to these small businesses who offer unique christmas gifts for their loved ones.
Laura Raymond, Manager, MSME Unit Atlantic Bank
"This is the first event that Atlantic Bank has hosted of this nature and this size for small businesses, to assist small businesses right? Give them the exposure and being that this is the Christmas season we thought this is a good time to showcase and support them."
On a day when big stores tried to pull in all the customers, Micro, small and medium enterprises which are a big part of the local economy also carved out their space:
Laura Raymond, Manager, MSME Unit Atlantic Bank
"Small businesses play a very important role in this economy of Belize; they represent about 70 or 80% thereabout of our economy and so we find that it is very important for us to be able to provide them with services and products that enable them to grow and to expand and to sell."
Two of the entrepreneurs explained the art behind their offerings:
Laura Bugyiova, Beauty Pouches
"So we have all sorts of pouches for males and females. We have some water resistant ones like these ones over here and yeah we just made them because I threw a bunch of things in my bag and I need to divide it and separate it, to keep it organized. We have bigger ones mostly used for travel like shampoos and conditioners, stuff like that bigger things and smaller ones for girls for make up anything you really need. We have some wristlets over here so yeah."
Chloe, Candles by Kay
"So we are a candle company that makes candles out of 100% wax, which is a lot more healthier than a regular traditional store-bought candle. It has less toxins and it burns about 50% longer than a regular traditional wax candle."
"Our logo, if you can tell it, is a combination of candles by Kay and we wanted something that is as unique as our candles, something different and something you don't see every day."
And though some traditional shoppers may have their reservations and opinions about where they should get their shopping done, in Belize, or across the border? Some people are of the view that it's best to spend in country and support the locals in order to keep the economy thriving.
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