Dockyard retailers reeling from the post Christmas slump are calling for radical action to get business back on track.

Some are saying more entertainment is needed to tempt customers while others say shorter hours are needed during the slow season.

Calypso's Lisa Smith said: "We need something to bring people up here, like face painting for kids which would bring the parents too.

"It's very slow at the moment, dead, we clean 'til we can't clean no more just for something to do.

"We have been trying to get them to open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the tourist and cruise ship season picks back up. The middle of April or even the start would do.'' But she said Wedco bosses had been reluctant to slash shop hours.

She said retailers had started timing when the first customers hit the Dockyard Mall.

She said: "It's between 10.45. a.m. and 11 a.m. It's unreal. You can only do so much.'' However, one unnamed retailer said that cutting hours might benefit bored shop owners but staff on a wage would lose out during retail's sticky patch.

She said: "I struggle and I don't even have children. If they cut the hours you would see a big drop in your wages.'' She said other methods for drawing customers needed to be explored.

"They should have senior citizens days, there's hardly anything for them.

"It's the same with kids -- parents always want somewhere to take them.'' She said takings at her shop had fallen dramatically.

"Nothing happens until mid morning and by four o'clock it's all over. We hang out in the corridor and try to keep each other entertained.

"I feel sorry for these retailers. They have taken their chances but they have to pay for their lights and their staff but some days they don't make as much as $100.'' More shops catering to locals as well as tourists might boost business during the slack season, said the shop assistant.

"They need more stuff like Calypso and Trimingham's.'' And one trader printed out the till balance just before her shop closed to demonstrate how tough times were.

She said: "$7.40 -- that's all I have made today. We definitely need more entertainment here to bring people in.'' Cheryl Adcock, of craft shop Cheryl's Keepsakes, said: "The first week in January is a very difficult time but it's on par with last year.

"It will pick up in February.'' But Ms. Adcock doubted whether gimmicks to lure shoppers to Dockyard would help trade.

She said: "There's not that many people on the island. If they are on the island they generally come to Dockyard.

"It's getting them on the island that is the key. I don't know what the solution is to that point.''