Isle441.com, a new Bermuda-focused retail website, is to launch on December 1 — Cyber Monday.

Keidric Smith, the e-business owner, explained: “It’s an online business that allows local businesses to sell products to the local community; it’s like a local Amazon.

He came up with the idea because, as a busy career person who is also studying to become a chartered financial analyst, he does almost all his shopping online. “I don’t have time to go shopping in Hamilton,” he said. “But I will spend two hours online surfing, doing all my shopping, on a Saturday,” he said.

“So I thought it would be good for local businesses to have this site, because they are competing with international businesses. I wanted to create something that put them on the same playing field,” he said.

Isle441.com will focus on retail. “The ultimate goal is to provide what is available here in Bermuda, on line. We’re trying to get a good diversity of product.”

Purchased items can either be collected by the buyer, or there is a delivery service available. “Initially, we will be delivering twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, directly to your door. Depending on the demand, we will increase the number of deliveries in the future.”

Mr Smith explained each vendor who has a presence on the site has an admin panel, which allows them to manage their content. He added that Isle441 puts them an online at a fraction of the cost of hosting their own website.

“Even though our focus is on retail businesses, we also want to encourage entrepreneurs who are selling from their homes to enquire about us, as we would be willing to provide services to them as well.”

Isle441.com also offers gift certificates, which can be used with any vendor. “If you have a $50 gift certificate, you can spend $25 at one vendor, and $25 at another one,” he explained.

“There’s also a gift registry so people who have a wedding or a birthday coming up can create a gift registry and send it out to their friends.”

It is possible to shop by vendor, or by product. “The site is very flexible,” he said.

“Customers can access the site and purchase items via computer, phone, or Facebook.”

Vendors who will be listed on the site include The Salon Store, The Sports Source, Off the Wall hobbies, Sound Decision, Home WorX Ltd, Exclusive Home, Soccer Plus, Mystique’s, Hot Buys, De Oil Shop, Chaussures & Accessories and Queen’s Fashions.

Mr Smith explained he has been involved in Fantasy Island Weekend Bermuda, the logo for which was ‘Three days, four parties, one good time!’ and the Swizzle King Competition.

“I’ve also done other events as well. But I was looking for something that would be more consistent throughout the year.

“I have a background in finance,” he said. “But I am an entrepreneur at heart.”

The isle441.com website is compatible with Firefox, Google Chrome, and internet Explorer 9 and above.