Store tills play a seasonal jingle

PANAMA. . Doom and gloom is the watchword in the retail industry in the United States, as shoppers worry about the recession, now proclaimed “official” after months of wordjuggling from the president down. Remember: “The economy is strong”,?

But in Panama, buoyed by a recently reported 9.2 percent growth rate. shoppers. in spite of increased prices, have loosened their purse strings and the “shop till you drop” Christmas rush is on.

Albrook Mall, busy at the best of times requires fortitude and strong strong shoulders to survive the crowds, Multi-Plaza was jammed over the weekend, and Multi-Centro, in spite of the Coastal Strip traffic jams was booming.

In Costa del Este, Aldea Navedina, the unique store where Christmas begins in August, and ends a few days before December 25, was packed with purchasers

Many came to buy decorations, nativity scenes, ornaments, artificial snow, wreaths, garlands, Nutcrackers and Christmas tree decorations.

And of course the trees themselves.

More than one third of Panama’s Christmas trees, are imported by the Gallo family which owns the store, the largest of its kind on the continent.

If the crowds on the weekend are anything to go by, the Canadian trees, will be long gone by closing day, and that at prices ranging from $25 for one that could stand on a side table, to !12 ft giants at $200.

As the trees were trimmed, wrapped, and loaded onto cars and pick ups, the sweet smell of pine filled the air.

For those who prefer artificial trees they come in all sizes, and colors from silver to blue, orange, and of course, green.