Shoppers take flight for U.S. bargains

Hundreds of families head to New York and Boston in the U.S. each year to pick up bargains.

And they return to the island with bags bulging in time for the festive period.

But this is depriving local stores of valuable trade at a time when they need it most, according to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Kristi Grayston, chairman of the Chamber’s retail sector, told the Bermuda Sun the Christmas exodus had huge repercussions on traders.

Phenomenon

She said: “It has become a kind of tradition for people in Bermuda to go away for a few days in the run-up to Christmas, to stay at a hotel and do their shopping.

“And it seems to be a growing phenomenon because there is a wider range of goods and they tend to be cheaper.

“But the long-term effects on retailers in Bermuda are significant and damaging.

“It means we cannot support ourselves the rest of the year round and cannot fill our shelves with what we are expected to do for the rest of the year. Christmas is supposed to be our busiest time of year, so each person who goes away and does their shopping overseas really hurts us.”

Kim Wilson, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, believes Bermudians have to act to help stimulate their own economy.

The Government and retail industry recently launched the Buy Bermuda initiative and 12 Days of Christmas promotion to breathe fresh life into the industry over the holidays.

Stimulate

Ms Wilson said: “People have to realize that if they choose to do their shopping abroad they are depriving retailers of their trade, and in the long-term their livelihoods.

“We have to stimulate our own economy by making the most of all the things on offer here.”