sending shoppers overseas.

The survey will be carried out by the economic committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

It is expected to start next week and be completed by the end of October.

Last night Mr. Bobby Rego, chairman of the Chamber's retail sales division, said high operating costs would bump up the price of goods.

"We want to determine the problems faced by the retail industry,'' he explained.

"There are no two ways about it,'' he said. "High prices are caused by the cost of importing.'' Operating costs included freight, duty, and handling charges, as well as overheads, such as wages, electricity, and rent, he said.

He added the Chamber was concerned about shoppers buying big-ticket items abroad.

The survey would also highlight where retailers are buying their goods, said Mr. Rego.

"We want to know whether they are buying from the United Kingdom, USA or Europe.

"Once we have got our results some form of paper will be produced which will give us a clear insight into the retail situation.'' Mr. Rego said all members of the Chamber's retail division would be surveyed.

In June, retail sales fell 1.6 percent to $46.3 million compared to June 1991.

It was the fifth consecutive monthly fall for the index.

And the general retail sector was hit harder, with sales falling by 3.8 percent.

But purchases by residents returning from overseas increased by 15.8 percent to $1.61 million, following three months of declines.