Ochos Rios can be intimidating for some, as the locals are not shy about coming up and encouraging you to look at their shops and market stalls;  some may even try to physically steer you into their stalls.  However, they will not hassle you too much if you consistently tell them "no, thank you" and don't stop long enough for them to convince you otherwise.  There are also people who try to sell their wares on the street or asking to braid your hair.  You can similarly avoid them by telling them no.  Just understand that this is how many people make their living, so you can't blame them for being a little aggressive.  

Some visitors may feel nervous in the local market area, so if you're not comfortable about this type of confrontation, you may want to avoid those areas. Note, however, that there are lots of heavily armed  police  and security people walking the streets.

Gated off areas tend to be free of this kind of selling, but you may still see one or two people who have managed to sneak in.  The resorts and such are good about keeping their beaches and property for visitors only, so if you don't like being approached all day, you may want to stay in your hotel or private beach area.  

As with any place, you should be careful about where you go, and you may want to read up on safety before you go.