Retailers yesterday reported that the Christmas period had been busy, but soft sales are expected through the next few months.

Chamber of Commerce president Charles Gosling said: "From talking to retailers, while it seemed December started out slowly, it picked up, especially in the week leading up to Christmas, which was busy."

Mr. Gosling added that some retailers had indicated their sales were in line with the previous year's numbers.

"The ability to favourably compare (sales) to last year speaks to me of the positive effects of Buy Bermuda," he said.

HA&E Smith's president Roger Davidson said: "Sales were slightly better than expected given circumstances as a result of September 11." He added that the level of Christmas sales was steady with the previous year.

And he added that the store had done brisk business with after-Christmas sales: "We have been busy. It is nice to see merchandise moving and cash coming in as we are looking at getting in new inventory soon."

But, looking forward to the winter period of January, February and March, Mr. Davidson said: "Occupancy levels are dismal and the (retail) industry is in belt tightening mode."

Mr. Davidson said there would "probably" be reductions in staff hours or numbers during the winter period.

Trimingham's president Lawrence Trimingham said he was satisfied with the store's Christmas sales levels, but he added that this was "bearing in mind the circumstances of September 11".

Mr. Trimingham also praised the Buy Bermuda campaign, as he said it raised awareness of why its important to shop in Bermuda.

When asked how this year's Christmas sales compared to last year, Mr. Trimingham said he would rather not go in to detail on the store's sales. He did say: "I was pleased with how our sales were and I have also heard from other retailers that the last weeks before Christmas were especially busy."

Mr. Trimingham said the store is now having after-Christmas clearance sales, as they do every year. "We are clearing out our fall merchandise and bringing in new inventory," he said.

Mr. Trimingham said, as in previous years, the store will scale back on its opening hours during January, February and March. The store normally stays open until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, but during the coming months the store will stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights only.

Mr. Trimingham said this scaling back on hours happens every year and the store stays open on Friday evenings for those who cannot shop during working hours.

He also said that the store typically scales back on staff hours at this time of year. And although the hour cuts will be in keeping with years past, Mr. Trimingham said the store will have to watch the situation: "I don't relish the thought of making any further hour cuts, but as with any business we have to monitor the situation."

Gibbons Company general manager Susan Bawn said their sales through Christmas were higher than last year. But, she said she expects sales to be lower during the winter period: "After Christmas spending, people pull their horns in, at least until the weather improves and they think of buying something for spring."

Ms Bawn said she did not anticipate any changes in staffing levels during the coming months: "We are permanently staffed down, you could put it that way. We don't have extra staff which means we cannot have extended hours like some other stores. But, we feel this has worked for us."

Terry Burgess, who is the owner of three Court Street boutiques - 2001, Sports 2000 and 2002 - said her Christmas sales were healthy, but added: "I most definitely expect it to slow down in coming months."