CHRISTMAS shopping sales across the island have been on a par with last year but hopes are high for an eleventh-hour consumer spending spree, a business leader reported yesterday.

George Grundmuller, chairman of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said retailers had hoped for better figures, but were still optimistic that there was still much shopping to be done before Christmas Day.

"The feedback is that most stores are on a par with last year and we were hoping for a little bit more," said Mr. Grundmuller. "Last year was very difficult because of the effects of September 11.

"There is definitely a last-minute rush happening and we do expect next week - particularly the 23rd and 24th - being very strong. Overall, I think it's a really mixed bag. Many stores have got special promotions on and that's generally a sign that sales are not really strong. I do think the Buy Bermuda campaign has helped us though.

"I think the Internet has affected us. People do a fair amount of shopping on the web now. And more people are travelling this year and declared imported goods at the airport are up." Diane Gordon, executive vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, said most retailers had worked harder to sell their products this year and there had been an overall improvement in merchandise.

"We have a diverse membership, of large and small businesses, across the island and I've hearing mixed reports," said Ms Gordon.

"Small businesses, like Stefanel and Pulp & Circumstance, who offer one-on-one personal attention and have a loyal customer base, seem to be doing extremely well.

"December started slowly, but there are signs that it's picking up now and everybody's hoping for a last-minute rush this weekend.

"Overall I have seen a vast change in the approach of the employees within our retail establishments. They are putting in a little bit of extra effort for their customers.

"Retailers are being more creative and inventive to entice customers. They are bringing in different and better merchandise. It's cut-throat out there and very competitive. People are competing against Internet shopping and shopping overseas and they are working hard to survive."

Ms Gordon said the Buy Bermuda campaign was still going and was planned to continue throughout the coming year.

"There have been mixed reactions from people about the campaign," said Ms Gordon. "Some have said it's not been as passionate or as vocal as last time. There was obviously a lot of passion in the campaign after 9/11.

"But one of the things I've noticed is that retailers have done a lot more of their own, in-house promotions to push their location, prices and merchandise."