community has recently formed.

The retail industry is the largest employer in Bermuda after Government and there are 75 different kinds of jobs within the retail sector.

The Bermuda Visitor Retail Division's mission is "to improve business standards, professionalism and productivity amongst retailers'', said Ian Smith, chairman of the executive committee of the division.

The group met with the Monitor Company, a tourism consulting agency, earlier this year to capitalise on the success that group had in the hotel sector and extend its activities to the visitor retail sector.

In addition to improving standards, the division aims to foster good relations amongst retailers and those working with them, and will promote its members' interests to the Chamber of Commerce, Government and other organisations.

"The division is committed to enhancing the experience of retail customers and to contributing to education and awareness in the community with regard to the advantages of shopping in Bermuda,'' said David Goodwin, leader of the work group focusing on market research.

The five-member executive committee meets on a weekly basis. It consists of Ian Smith of Astwood Dickinson, George GrUndmuller of the Phoenix Stores, David Hamshere of The English Sports Shop, Stuart Joblin of Makin' Waves and Lawrence Trimingham of Trimingham Bros.

Working groups were established in March. The leaders of these groups are: Jan Card (Marketing), Sheridan Scott (Economies of Scale), David Goodwin (Market Research), Ronald Maughan (Human Capital Initiative) and Peter Cooper (Government Liaison Group).

These groups have identified five initial areas for action. They include: A marketing drive to identify the retail industry's strengths and highlight these in the Department of Tourism's advertising campaign; A market research initiative to determine tourists' shopping requirements and to encourage local retailers to participate in the Department of Statistics retail sales survey; To encourage participation of the retail industry in the BEC/VIP School Outreach programme which is designed to make school children aware of the opportunities in retail and the skills required; To generate costs savings by combining retailers' buying power and to address economies of scale issues; and To discuss with Government the industry's regulatory environment.

Mr. Goodwin stressed that the benefits to members are obvious as they will be better informed about their industry and in what areas they need to improve.

They will also have the advantage of representation and comprehensive advertising and can save costs in the long run.

Anyone wishing to obtain further information about joining the division can contact Ian Smith at Astwood Dickinson.