I consider myself fairly intelligent and rarely incorrect. On the odd occurrence that my judgment errs, I will be mature about it and say, “I was wrong.” Consumer trends in Trinidad (I can’t speak for Tobago) baffles me. The failure I projected for new business ventures was only a failure of vision on my part.
Premium Entertainment
Back at the turn of this century, at Globe Cinema it cost $25 for a ticket to sit in balcony and for parking of your vehicle, plus, you saw two movies and sometimes a short film with it. When I heard of the upcoming MovieTowne and that the cost of seeing only one “flim” was going to be $30, “They wouldn’t last six months” I thought. Nearly ten years after, it is a prime socialising spot for all ages. Tickets now cost $45 and the seats continue to be filled.
Premium Housing
1 Woodbrook Place. On hearing of the multi-million dollar cost to live in an apartment there, I thought I would be seeing a white elephant. Au contraire. The residences are sold out. White elephant? Not a chance. Had I been several shades lighter, I would be pink in the face.
Premium Dining
When Rituals Coffee House opened, I did not think that people would spend so much of their hard earned cash on a cup of coffee. Well 45 local branches after and some up the islands, they certainly are willing.
Premium ice cream at a premium price, not just on the grocery shelves, but stores dedicated just to it. It is no longer an Ice Cream Shoppe. Creamery is the going word and customers are rolling in.
So I have learnt my lesson. According to an old friend, “Don’t ask a stupid man where he going until he stop.” Many of what I thought were crazy ideas and destined to fail, turned out to be resounding successes. The lesson for me here is that the public is willing to pay extra for a quality experience and I think that this is the common thread throughout all that I have mentioned.
I recently heard that an IMAX screen is being constructed in Port of Spain. I eh sayin’ nothin’.
