Edwin Vassallo, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Businesses and the Self Employed, visited the Plaza Shopping Centre in Sliema yesterday, to meet with shop owners and gauge how business is going this Christmas season.

The Plaza Shopping Centre was busier than normal due to Christmas shopping, yet the shop owners’ comments varied somewhat. Some said that “business was good and Christmas shopping started early this season in Sliema as a spill-over from Valletta, because of the increase in tourism this year”, others said “it wasn’t bad for the Christmas season” while another stated that “it’s a bit slow, and my expectations were somewhat higher”.

“Although the comments have been mainly positive, you always have different trends and patterns each year, which means that naturally some businesses do better than others,” said Mr Vassallo while thanking the Plaza complex’s management for allowing him the opportunity to meet with shop owners.

“There is a new concept being practised this year among the owners of businesses, and many shops are promoting their locality so as to compete with other localities,” he said.

“We have introduced a number of initiatives such as cheaper bus fares, and improving village squares. It appears that the retail trade is stable yet vulnerable,” added Mr Vassallo.

The Plaza’s jolly Father Christmas also got to meet Mr Vassallo, who concluded his visit by saying: “It is a priority for us to be close to this sector so as to take suggestions on board and listen to what shopowners have to tell us. I take this opportunity to wish a happy and prosperous Christmas to all those in the business.”