Retail Sales / Sales Division

The Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, lead by Co-Chairs Kristi Grayston and Somers Cooper and a supportive Executive Committee, have been reasonably active in pursuing Sunday shopping, helping organize the Buy Bermuda campaign, tax relief, tax incentives for reinvestment and docks review. 

Sunday Shopping

The Chamber, having received a clear majority support from its retail members lobbied the Government to relax the rules on Sunday shopping.  In meetings with Minister Cox it was argued that stores regardless of size should be able to open on Sundays should they wish (and if they are able to retain staff).  It was argued that the consumer supported Sunday shopping as evidenced at grocery stores and one-off and seasonal events held in Hamilton. The availability of an extra shopping day for locals to shop as a recreation, and the windfall from visitors who may not be able to shop on other days due to tours, etc., all supported the change. With the presentation of the Budget in February 2005 Sunday shopping restrictions were finally relaxed.

Buy Bermuda

The Chamber, with particular help from Executive Vice President Diane Gordon and then Chairman Charles Gosling lead a reinvigorated Buy Bermuda campaign last year. The campaign no doubt raised the importance of shopping locally. Unfortunately they did not meet their target funding and the retailers themselves were partly to blame as only a few contributed.  For 2005/2006 there has been a renewed commitment from retailers to support this worthy campaign.

Docks Review

A significant opportunity occurred with the decision of the Corporation of Hamilton to invite a member of the retail division to sit on its Docks Advisory Committee. Co-chair Somers Cooper volunteered to be their representative.  This position is especially important with the upcoming redevelopment of the Hamilton waterfront and ongoing space pressure on the freight docks. Regarding the latter, the removal of one of the two freight handling sheds to free up container storage area may negatively impact freight distribution for smaller importers and only time will tell if other arrangements will make up for the loss.

Tax Relief

The perennial effort continues in 2005, with a focus in three areas: A continued reduction in import duties; a reduction or elimination of duty on equipment and fittings for renovation (similar to the hotels and restaurants) and an adjustment in the payroll tax brackets.  Although they lobbied hardest for the renovation relief it was the payroll tax bracket adjustment which finally came through, whereby the Government adjusted upward the payroll ceiling qualifying for the lower tax rate. This allows a greater number of smaller employers to fall in under a lower tax rate. However, the tax burden is still a major issue with larger retailers.

Customer Service Training

The Executive Committee is currently looking into customer service training initiatives for the retail members.

History

In May 1999 retailers of all sizes from Bermuda's retail community met to form the Visitor Retail Sales Division (VRD) "to improve business standards, professionalism and productivity" among retailers. The association has been set up as an autonomous division within the Chamber of Commerce.

This division was formed with an "executive committee" to oversee the already ongoing action of several work groups, set up from meetings held earlier in the year with the Monitor Company, an organization brought into Bermuda to improve the productivity of Bermuda's tourism industry in which retail plays a major role.

In 2002 the Visitor Retail Sales Division became the Retail Sales Division (RSD).

Mission

The mission of the RSD is to improve the business standards, professionalism and productivity of retailers, regardless of size or interest. The RSD will strive to foster good relationships among retailers and those that work with them, and will promote its members interests to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Government and other organizations.

The RSD, through its on going initiatives is committed to improving and enhancing the experiences of our customers and to contribute as a positive force through education and awareness in the community.