Retail Sales / Sales Division

2007/2008 Chairman’s Report

The Retail Division decided to take a break in 2007 from the Buy Bermuda campaign and is preparing to reinvent the campaign in 2008 with a focus on education as opposed to compassion and emotion.

After last year’s challenge from the Premier to make Hamilton more exciting at night by extending retail hours the division initiated 7-9-7 extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Many of our members participated despite fairly poor sales.

We have had several meetings with the Minister of Finance over the year and discussion did not fall on deaf ears as we were granted duty concessions on refurbishment in the recent budget. Other issues still on the table with the Minister include Duty Free shopping, increased duty rates at the post office and through courier companies, deferment of duty payments and payroll tax.

We have attended presentations at the Corporation of Hamilton on both the pedestrianization of Reid Street and the Waterfront Development. Both plans appear to still be in the early planning stages.

The Premier recently hosted a meeting with the division. An impressively large group of retailers attended and discussion was open and quite candid. The Premier renewed his call for extended shopping hours during the season. Retailers know difficult a time it is finding staff to cover regular hours let alone extended ones.

2008/2009 Executive Board:
Kristi Grayston Chair
Somers Cooper
Paula Clarke
Richard Boyle
Julia Currelly
Tom Nelmes
Peter Richold
Nikki Warren

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.