A new campaign was launched this morning aimed at getting locals to shop locally.

The Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSDC) has partnered with the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce for a Shop Local advertising campaign directed at retailers and shoppers.

Today’s announcement comes in the wake of figures showing a 5.9 percent drop in retail spending for September - the 30th consecutive fall in spending on shopping.

BSDC general manager Michelle Khaldun said: “Our message to retailers is to step up their game. This is an opportunity for us to advocate and educate both sides. There’s no sense just flag-waving to shop locally; people want to see value, improved customer service and better variety. We also want locals to look at what we have at home.”

The campaign starts tomorrow, with the first display going up in AS Cooper where Premier Paula Cox will visit the store at noon.

Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Senator Kim Wilson said: “In the upcoming days we will launch series of TV ads featuring retailers from Front Street to the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone, to the Warwick Rubber Tree vendor market, and everywhere in between.

“It’s a proactive partnership using a unique marketing approach, complete with 3D graphics and mobile walls, constructed in such a way that the walls can travel from Dockyard to St. George’s, boosting interest in shopping local.”

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the campaign has taken three months to develop, and was initiated by Ms Cox.

Although today’s launch emphasised Christmas shopping, the Chamber said the Shop Local displays will run continuously into the new year, and Ms Khaldun hinted that the BSDC will expand upon it next year with a retail development programme.

More on this in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette