The early signs of the beneficial impact of the America’s Cup on Bermuda are being felt.

Island Trading, on Reid Street, has seen an increase in the number of hotels, guest houses and beach clubs seeking to upgrade their outdoor furniture ahead of the expected arrival of sailing teams that will compete in the World Series race in Bermuda in October, and the main event in 2017.

The shop has been in business for 32 years. Vice-president Laura Farge-Lowe said there is a feeling of renewed confidence in the economy and the firm is drawing up expansion plans for the coming years.

She noticed a slight improvement in the economy last year, with December and last month being particularly good months.

And she feels the announcement in December that Bermuda had been chosen to host the 35th America’s Cup in 2017 has underpinned the growing optimism.

“The America’s Cup has been a huge lift and a real boost for the Island,” Mrs Farge-Lowe said, explaining that she has seen an increase in inventory enquiries from hospitality properties.

“There’s been a lot of calls from people who want to upgrade their outdoor furniture. Hotels are planning for the America’s Cup already.”

What is also pleasing, she said, is that hotels and guest houses have shown a strong desire to have their needs met locally by a fellow Island-based business, rather than going to overseas suppliers.

Island Trading’s three decades of successful operation, coupled with its reputation, are part of the reason why the company is attracting such business, according to Mrs Farge-Lowe.

“We pride ourselves on our customer service which leads to repeat business,” she said.

For many years the shop has stocked the Henri Lloyd line, which specialises in quality sailing and yachting apparel. In the wake of the America’s Cup announcement a section of the shop now features a dedicated display of Henri Lloyd items.

Mrs Farge-Lowe believes this will prove attractive to the sailing and yachting fraternity already on the Island, and the overseas crews expected to arrive this year.

Staying agile and diversified is important, she said. “We’re almost like a department store.”

As rain pounded the Island yesterday, one section of the shop was attracting a healthy number of customers — the racks devoted to rainsuits and wet weather gear. With grey skies and non-stop rain outside it was clear to see why that corner of the shop was particularly busy, also possibly helped by the highly visible manikin dressed in a smart rainsuit outside the front entrance.

Elsewhere in the shop there is pool equipment, including a hot tub, garden and outdoor furnishings, and a variety of indoor furniture.

The indoor furniture represents an expansion for Island Trading’s inventory.

The shop also has an extensive range of smaller, accessory items to brighten up homes and gardens, from table ornaments to cushions.

“We work hard to offer our customers new products and importantly, different products,” said Mrs Farge-Lowe.

A nautical theme is evident in some areas of the shop, including a corner display that is filled with seafaring imagery. As the America’s Cup approaches, Mrs Farge-Lowe believes nautical will be one of the big, new themes.

She added: “It is something that already works well and is appropriate for the Island.”

For many years she worked in the banking sector in London and New York, then two years ago she returned to the Island to join the family business. Her mother Gillian Farge started Island Trading in the early 1980s.

Since entering the retail world, Mrs Farge-Lowe has found it both rewarding and filled with its own challenges.

“Retail is harder than ever, but we are a solid business and we are excited about the possibilities for Bermuda in the next few years,” she said.

“I feel people are more confident in the economy than they have been for the past few years.”

She believes the retail sector can act as an early barometer to judge the mood of the economy and whether it is going up or down.

“We are at the front line and can see when customers are spending or not. What we are seeing now is new people moving to the Island who are coming in to buy from us, and also new construction. Last year was a big one for new pools.”

Island Trading recently hired a new member of staff, and hopes to create a new position within the company in the near future.

Mrs Farge-Lowe added: “We’re very optimistic about the America’s Cup and the possibilities for our business.”