(TESS) Ltd., and you'll immediately notice a perfect blending of merchandise.

Planned so that customers can easily identify the store for their needs or tastes, it's a concept that has worked well, according to the group's vice president and merchandise manager, Ken Finsness. "Because we have so many businesses and it's a small Island, we try to have as much of a different concept in those businesses as we can,'' he explained. "Our goal is to cover most areas of merchandise. So we offer everything from the top end of the scale, to more moderately priced merchandise, to bargain goods in our Outlet shop, all at good value for money. We're trying to get people thinking to stop automatically thinking that everything is overpriced.'' An excellent example of that, he said, is TESS Ltd.'s recently opened Nautica shop, located in Archie Brown. "We became interested in Nautica because we were able to offer it to customers at prices lower than in the United States. We've done that by obtaining the franchise for Bermuda for men's and boys' wear from Nautica's international division which gives us exclusive rights to Nautica in Bermuda.

We're very excited. It appeals to everybody, the clothing is well-priced and well-made. It's all a part of our updating, renovations, and desire to offer a better merchandise selection at an advantageous price. It's how we compete in Bermuda. We try and do better than our nice neighbours next door.'' To achieve that goal, Mr. Finsness said he relies on the expertise of the company's eight buyers. "They buy for different divisions and I'm responsible for their buying habits,'' he said. "I'm assisted by Carol Noble, the women's merchandise manager. We don't look over their shoulder at every item they select, we're more interested in the money spent, the overall picture of the store, and the sell-through. Each shop has its own identity. As merchandise manager, I try and control the image of various stores.'' Each individual store works to maintain its separate identity, he said, as customers have come to associate them with it. "We don't really compete with each other. Each customer has a different taste and price level, so we try and offer items across the board. "Just as we do with our stores, Marks & Spencer (head office) continually inspect us to make sure we keep up to their high standards. People love the combination of merchandise in Marks & Spencer -- the children's, ladies' and men's wear, the shoes, food and wine, all good value and at great prices. In all our stores, we try to have those things that others don't -- better prices, better quality and our own TESS label.'' PHOTO Vice president and merchandising manager of TESS Ltd., Ken Finsness MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP