Social media as a sales booster is to be the focus of the latest in a series of workshops aimed at market stall holders and other retailers.

The Hamilton roadshow — the second of three organised by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is designed to improve sales and reduce costs — especially for small-scale enterprises.

North East Hamilton economic development officer Roxanne Christopher said: “Merchandising is an integral part of being successful as a vendor.

“In addition to helpful tips, presenters will also set up tables to provide attendees with real demonstrations of best practice when organising displays.”

The free event, to be held at the BIU on Thursday starting at 5.30pm, will also include presentations from business owners.

These will include Terry Lynn Doyle of D&T Dijoux, Ashley Stephens of Ashley’s Lemonade and Stephanie Lee of SociaLee Consulting.

Ms Christopher will review proposed new legislation governing vendors and highlight ways the BEDC can help people get their business ideas off the ground.

Ms Lee said that social media marketing had “revolutionised” the way people advertise their wares.

She added: “Where businesses spent thousands trying to push their products to a mass audience, social media has allowed consumers to find what they’re looking for and allows businesses to reach their specific audience.

“This in turn makes advertising more reasonable for the average small business owner.

“For instance, the popular social platform Instagram has been used by people of every industry to showcase their business products and services.”

Ms Lee added that a friend and client had used Instagram to showcase her range of plus-size fashions, allowing buyers to choose clothes in their size, which are then delivered to their chosen location.

Ms Lee said: “She also uses Instagram to promote pop up shops and other events.”

And she added: “At the seminar, we will look at a few of these platforms and how vendors can highlight their business with social media, how each platform can be used and the typical audience they reach.

“We will also look briefly at how to craft a message suited for each platform.”

A final workshop is scheduled to be held in the West End of the Island on Tuesday, April 28 and will focus on what it takes to start a new small business.

Although free, participants should register their interest in attending by e-mail to info@bedc.bm or log on to www.bedc.bm, although walk-ins are welcome.