The last few shopping days in the run-up to Christmas should be very hectic with high sales volumes, said Sam Simmons, the chief executive officer of Trimingham Brothers.

While US and UK retailers have reported dismal results this year, Bermuda retailers are experiencing mixed fortunes.

Pierre Dutoya at Hornburg Calypso said that Christmas sales are weak this year. He attributed the decline to the US media's emphasis that this year the consumer is in charge and said he believed people are waiting for discounts in the new year.

Craig Clark at Computer City said the firm has experienced a drop in sales after budgeting for an increase: "Not a huge drop but a significant drop."

Yvonne Cacace, owner of Stefanel, said sales were flat this year, adding: "Last year was a very good year for Stefanel."

Mrs. Cacace also owns the men's store Sasch, and said that sales there are "way up" and sales at the children's store, Iana, were also up. Other stores reporting big increases were Crisson's and the Body Shop.

Chris Creamer at Aston & Gunn, the men's store, says that sales are about the same this year. He has noticed no decline and said: "Long may it last."

Other stores expecting similar sales levels were M&M International Ltd., True Reflections and Gibbons Company Ltd.

Mr. Simmons of Trimingham's said he remained optimistic: "We think that Christmas sales are coming later this year than last year. Depending on the next few days, at this point we think that we will finish up on last year."

He says that Trimingham's are satisfied that they are getting a good take in the market in terms of market share. He says they are also noticing fewer identifiable best sellers: "Usually after Thanksgiving you can identify best sellers, "must have" toys and men and women's apparel and accessories ... This year there are not as many single key items and that's good for retail."

Last minute Christmas presents: Page 34