Retail sales down

The amount of goods sold on Jersey's high street in the third quarter of 2009, was 3% lower than the year before.

It's the fourth successive quarter that retail sales volumes have dropped in the island.

The Minister for Economic Development, Alan Maclean told Channel Online: "It's not a surprise probably, although it's sad to say so. But obviously the island economy is suffering through the downturn, and retail is a sector that we picked up through the business tendency survey that came out recently is finding it particularly difficult. Many businesses are finding activity levels are down, and consequently profitability is down so obviously there's quite a struggle going on in the retail in the highstreet."

Whilst the amount of non food sales was 7% down, food sales were up by 2% reflecting a change in habits in response to the recession, with more people for instance choosing to eat at home. (from CTV)

And I do not think its going to change in the immediate future...

Funny that! 3% happens to be the GST Jersey now pays!! coincidence methinks