The merger of retail giants Smith's and Trimingham's was expected to usher in a new era of retailing in Bermuda, but employees of the newly combined department store have expressed mixed feelings about the changes.

On Monday, Smith's employees said the transition has affected both working hours and the quality of service offered to customers.

But yesterday Lawrence Trimingham, president of Trimingham's, told The Royal Gazette: "Generally, when there is change it comes with pluses and minuses.

"I was stopped by a lot of people over Christmas and they gave me positive feedback on the merger. People are excited and curious," he added.

The merger of Smiths and Triminghams was completed in November after a prolonged negotiation period.

One sales associate, who did not wish to be named, told The Royal Gazette: "The public are not happy about it. People feel sad, it is difficult for everyone.

"It has been very stressful. We have less staff so the public are not getting the service they deserve."

There was also an overall impression among staff that the merger was made more difficult due to the holiday season.

Employees said that it seemed a bad time for the stores to combine with the increase in shoppers associated with the Christmas season.

"We have chronic short staff (situations) and are not allowed sick days," said the sales associate. "We have been pushed to the limit."

Some employees were hesitant to speak with the Press about the merger and answered questions with simply "no comment" or "I don't want to talk to the newspaper".

But others said the merger has meant longer hours.

Cynthia Southern, sales associate of 35 years, said: "We have been very busy with more hours and I want to spend time with my family on the weekends."

She said she was not sure how the merger would affect staff in the longer term.

"At the moment it is too hard to tell," Ms Southern said. "But we are not used to the amount of nights that we are now open."

Another sales associate of 34 years, Maria Moniz, said: "It is a rough transition, but time will tell. We will see some changes within the next couple of years."

"There have been a few layoffs but it's basically still the same," added another associate, who asked not to be named. "We used to work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but now we work 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. or 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m."

"There haven't been many changes with the merger except that ladies cannot try on underwear anymore," added associate Nora Crofton.

Buyer Andrea Bell had a more positive outlook.

"I think it is going to be a good thing," she said. "I am looking forward to seeing what renovations will look like because I understand that they are going to join some departments."

President of Smith's, Roger Davidson, also suggested the advantages would play out for both staff and customers.

He told The Royal Gazette in October: "The merger is good for shareholders of Smith's and for the staff. In the long term it will be a benefit to the community."

He added: "The company's decision to sell had been brought about by a combination of a decline in tourist spending, Bermudians travelling overseas to shop and the advent of Internet shopping."