A scheme to boost the productivity of the Island's retail sector is in full swing as part of an overall effort to revitalise the Island's tourism industry.

The effort, which falls under the umbrella of the Bermuda Tourism Competitiveness Programme (BTCP) and is guided by Boston-based consultants Monitor Company, has seen the introduction of a series of workshops which are encouraging local retailers to develop specific ideas they can put into action.

The workshops started on February 25, another was held late last week; a third is slated for March 25. More will be offered in April and are for tourist and locally orientated retailers.

Makin' Waves co-owner Stuart Joblin spoke to The Royal Gazette after attending the first workshop and said he found it very interesting because, for the first time, retailers were clearly shown the type of customer the Island was pursuing so they could stock the items these customers wanted to buy.

"There have been lots of good ideas and, if nothing else, it allows the retail industry to understand what our target customers are so we can target our buying toward them.'' And Mr. Joblin encouraged other retailers to take part in the workshops after a poor turnout for the first one.

"I am surprised there was not more retail people there. We need to help ourselves. Sure, we need support and the new Government can help but these workshops are worthwhile and I think they would be an incredible help for all retailers.'' At the dinners, insights are shared by on and off-Island retailers along with market data.

Topics covered include understanding and meeting customer needs; employee needs, operational efficiency, industry cooperation and the need for partnerships between Government and tourist-related industries.

The need for the retail workshops has never been greater because of the pressure that has been put on the industry over the past ten to 15 years.

Monitor Company's Ambar Chowdhury noted; "Bermuda's traditional price advantage over the US has been eroded, retailers have to contend with the increasing presence of low-cost shopping providers throughout the Caribbean, and at the same time visitor spending is down.

"Bermuda's high cost structure makes it difficult for retailers to compete with the US and Caribbean on price alone and, moreover. the constant evolution of tourist's shopping needs creates challenges for retailers who wish to focus on selling merchandise that is unique to Bermuda.'' However there is a strong base on which the retail sector can build. It is known for its solid reputation, highly developed infrastructure and educational facilities.

It is also part of the burgeoning shared vision and openness to partnership that is taking hold throughout the tourism industry thanks to the efforts of the (BTCP), which has as one of its basic goals a desire to improve tourism revenues by creating enriching and differentiating experiences for Bermuda's visitors.

TOURISM TOU