WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24: Shoppers were today urged to ‘shop local’ — and help the Bermuda economy.

Last week the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce launched its Shop Local campaign – coming in the wake of depressing retail sales figures showing the amount spent by consumers on the Island had fallen for 18 consecutive months.

Giving a statement in the Senate this morning, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson said:”Madam President, Shop Local is a simple message, yet it has a profound meaning. It conveys to consumers, that they need to spend their dollars in the local economy.

“Honourable members will know that retail sales indicators are an important economic indicator. If retail sales growth is stalled or slowing, this means consumers are not spending at previous levels. It is important that the community is aware that personal consumption plays a vital role in the health of the economy.

“More than any other time in our history…we… Bermudians, need to be the sustainers of our economy by spending our dollars wisely, right here at home in support of our retail sector. The people who work in this sector are not strangers to us.

“Madam President, as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, I am urging all Bermudians to join me this holiday season and Shop Local.”

More on this in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette

Will you keep it local? Email news@royalgazette.bm on what you think about this campaign