Guernsey Retail Group Expresses Concern Over New UK Retail Support Venture by Post
GRG cites the move as counterproductive to local economic growth and supports spending within the local retail sector.
- The Guernsey Retail Group (GRG) has voiced concerns about a new initiative encouraging Guernsey residents to order goods from UK-based retailers.
- GRG cites the move as counterproductive to local economic growth and supports spending within the local retail sector.
- Guernsey Post's service includes allowing adverts from local businesses but primarily promotes UK retailers.
- A recent GRG survey indicates a strong preference among residents to support local businesses.
- GRG emphasises the societal benefits of a robust local retail sector for Guernsey's economy and consumer choice.
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The Guernsey Retail Group (GRG), represented by its Chair, Jonathan Creasey, has publicly addressed concerns regarding a recently announced venture that actively supports local consumers in purchasing items from UK-based retailers.
This service, ostensibly aiming to broaden shopping options for island residents, has been met with criticism from the GRG due to its potential impact on the local economy and the signal it sends concerning the value of supporting local businesses.
In a statement released by the GRG, Creasey expressed disappointment and surprise over the decision by a States’ owned trading body in Guernsey Post to promote such an initiative.
"We are surprised and disappointed that any local business, especially a States’ owned trading body, would openly encourage and facilitate Guernsey residents to directly order items from UK-based retailers, rather than focusing on the many benefits of utilising local companies," he remarked.
The GRG highlights the critical role local spending plays in maintaining a strong local economy and low unemployment rates, contrasting significantly with offshore expenditures which, once made, do not return to the local economy.
Attention was also drawn to Guernsey Post's attempt to incorporate local business advertisements into this service.
However, the GRG still harbours reservations about the focus being shifted towards supporting UK retailers and the underlying message this initiative may communicate to consumers.
Despite Guernsey Post's gesture, the Group's apprehensions remain about promoting external businesses over the island's own.
A key piece of evidence supporting the GRG's position is a recent survey they conducted, revealing a strong community desire to champion local enterprises.
This insight feeds into the GRG's ongoing efforts to reinforce and diversify the island's retail sector, thereby ensuring its attractiveness and resilience against outside competition and internal challenges.
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