In an effort to become more competitive by offering the customer more merchandise, Trimingham Brothers recently promoted seven employees in buying and management areas.

"The areas which the employees have been promoted in are significant,'' said Trimingham's human resources manager Mrs. Monica Massey.

The group of seven -- all women -- includes Mrs. Gayle Stewart, Mrs. Jonell Bulford, Mrs. Rosalind DeSilva, Mrs. Ida Burgess, Ms Patricia Simons, Mrs.

Leslie Swan and Mrs. Reggie Fleming. Three of the promotions are to buyer, one to assistant buyer while three are management-related moves.

"These promotions, which were effective from September 5, are an effort to concentrate on the merchandise buying side of the company and part of positioning the company for the future,'' said Mrs. Massey.

But, said Mrs. Massey, while Trimingham's has not been immune to declines in the retail sector, the company recognises the need to look forward.

"We have to remain competitive,'' she said.

Declining tourism, Government duty, and residents shopping abroad continue to be the main issues impacting retail in Bermuda, she said.

And the promotions are a part of an effort to address these issues, she said.

The moves also show, despite flat retail sales figures over the past five years and a much smaller retail workforce compared to five years ago, there is still room for career advancement.

The most recent figures from the Department of Statistics, 1994, show the number of people employed in the retail sector was 4,194, up by 101 over 1993, but down from 4,576 reported in 1990.

"At a time when the industry is at a low, there are still positions available.

Our staff can grow with the company,'' she said.

The store's new ladies' moderates buyer, Mrs. Stewart, joined Trimingham's 26 years ago as a management trainee.

She has held numerous positions from managing a branch store to fine jewellery buyer. Her most recent position was main store manager.

As the main store manager, she was a member of the company's executive committee.

With the store's restructuring of its ladies' fashion department, Mrs. Stewart rejoins the merchandising division.

"I am very much looking forward to rejoining the merchandise division of the company.

"Retailing in Bermuda is more challenging today than ever before and I believe that at Trimingham's we have the team to meet and exceed those challenges,'' she said.

Another long time employee, Mrs. Bulford is the new buyer, menswear.

With the company since 1972, she has occupied various positions of increasing responsibility.

Her last assignment was buyer, fine jewellery.

In her new position she will be responsible for merchandising men's dress shirts, neck wear, furnishings and gifts.

"Since I began working at Trimingham's, every three to four years I have been transferred or promoted to another area within the company.

"It has been 23 years of continuous challenges which I have thoroughly enjoyed,'' she said.

The new buyer of crystal, china, glass and silver, Mrs. DeSilva, joined Trimingham's in 1984 as a sales associate and was soon promoted to branch store manager then to assistant buyer, china and crystal then to buyer for that department.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and I hope to continue to bring the best selection to Trimingham's,'' she said.

Mrs. Burgess, new ladies' fashions assistant buyer, joined the company in 1978. She was the company's sales manager, ladies' department, for seven years prior to her promotion to the assistant for that department.

"I have always loved fashion and have enjoyed working on the merchandising side.

"I find it very exciting to now be involved in the marketing area of fashion and am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead,'' she said.

Ms Simons has accepted the challenge of sales manager, ladies fashion.

She has experience in stock control, home furnishings and finance as credit manager with Trimingham's and joined the company in 1989 upon returning to Bermuda from Canada where she worked as a librarian.

"This is an exciting transformation for me.

"I consider it as yet another chapter in my ongoing education here at Trimingham's,'' she said.

Assistant sales manager, fine jewellery, Mrs. Swan joined Trimingham's in 1992 in the fine jewellery department.

As assistant sales manager she will be assisting with the day to day operation of the department.

"It is a real challenge but I look forward to making sure the department runs smoothly.

I also look forward to serving and helping customers with any special requests they may have,'' she said.

Promoted to group sales and promotions manager Mrs. Fleming joined the company in 1986 as store promotion coordinator.

She transformed the store promotions through events such as extravaganza nights, private shopping nights, breakfast with Santa, and other events.

Mrs. Fleming's additional responsibilities will be developing group sales business targeting hoteliers, convention groups, clubs and local exempted companies.

"There is nothing I love more than a challenge and I am very excited about this new position,'' she said.

Mrs. Gayle Stewart Mrs. Jonell Bulford Mrs. Rosalind DeSilva Mrs. Ida Burgess Ms Patricia Simons Mrs. Leslie Swan Mrs. Reggie Fleming