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The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel has started a review on the retail policy in Jersey to explore the challenges and opportunities local retailers face.
The Panel will look at the main shopping area of St. Helier, as well as out-of-town retail areas including St. John’s Village and Les Quennevais Precinct, which made the headlines earlier this year after the owner of Bicycle Workshop Ltd argued the area wasn't being allowed to reach its full potential.
Jersey's retail policy was last reviewed in 2014 with a focus on the policies and actions of the Minister for Economic Development towards the sector. Online competition was the most significant challenge to Jersey’s 'high street' retailers, who also faced issues including disproportionate and/or long planning processes, unnecessary red tape and numerous parking constraints.
The recently appointed Panel - which is chaired by Deputy Kirsten Morel, and includes Deputy David Johnson, Vice-Chair as well as Deputies Scott Wickenden and Kevin Pamplin - will be following up on the previous recommendations to assess what progress has been made.
Pictured: Les Quennevais Precinct made headlines earlier this year after the owner of 'Bicycle Workshop Ltd' slammed letting agent 'Voisin Hunter' on the lack of maintenance and marketing of the precinct on social media for not helping the area to reach "its full potential.
Deputy Morel said: “We often see news stories about the struggling retail sector in Jersey and we want to explore why that is. Is it because of high rents, parking difficulties or an increase in people turning to online shopping? Our review will explore all of these issues and our findings, with recommendations, will be published within the next few months.”
Retailers, members of the public and stakeholders can send their comments to the panel by email here.
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