Senator Alan Maclean in the Central Market with some lacally grown produce
A NEW campaign encouraging Islanders to support local businesses and so help stimulate the economy during tough financial times has been launched today.
Led by the Economic Development department and supported by the Jersey Evening Post, the aim of Think Twice Buy Local is to get Islanders to keep their pound in the Island.
As Jersey continues to remain reasonably sheltered from the full force of the global economic crisis, members of the public are being asked to have a think about spending their money locally – as well as look out for locally produced goods – instead of shopping on the internet or overseas.
A series of schemes and themes over the next three months will focus attention on different aspects of how the Island can help itself through the most difficult of times.
Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean said: ‘Think Twice Buy Local is all about encouraging people to actively think about the choices they have whenever they buy something and the impact those choices may have on the local economy.’
• Senator Maclean is the subject of the Saturday Interview in today’s Jersey Evening Post
Article posted on 30th May, 2009 - 3.00pm
110 Article Comments
No problem buying strawberries, maybe even milk haha, but sorry if you want my pound for electricals etc why would I buy here? Still gives our Mr Maclean something to do.
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too expensive.
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‘Think Twice Buy Local’!
Yes Senator Maclean, I think this each time and find it is cheaper elsewhere outside the island, even with postage on top.
I always give the retailers the opportunity with the price I can get, but there is a clear majority that would rather lose a sale than bring their price down anywhere near to compete.
So yes I think twice, and think of my wallet and why should I pay these extortionate prices in this island. I am no different from the majority of the population in this island, most of us have had little to no pay increase, yet food, our utilities and other essentials have jumped in price.
You can quote the price of rent, wages etc, I frankly don’t give a damn; we all look at the bottom figure these days.
Get into the real world Senator Maclean!
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I would love to buy everything locally. However, shops need to do two things: Lower their prices and more importantly, remember that “the customer is always right” and for heaven’s sake, lose the attitude!
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I recently wanted some stainless steel nuts and bolts, local suppliers could not help, sourced on the internet and here in 48 hours, why would i want to buy local(expensive) goods.
Going on holiday to UK end of june will shop at major supermarkets and bring back everything i wiil need except meat and dairy for next six months until i go again.
Wake up Maclean we aren’t all millionaires !!!!!
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when you start giving value for money,not before.
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Are Dandara and Harcourt local Senator Maclean???
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Think twice. Very sound advice make sure you get it right at the next elections!
I will only buy locally food stuffs as I have no option, but I do grow as much as I can to save money and to help maintain my health. I am into organics and do not use manmade fertilisers or sprays as I don’t trust them not to cause health issues.
Once Senator Maclean sorts out import costs and travel off island for us residents, I may start to buy more local items, as they will be cheaper won’t they? It just beggers belief that one can get stuff sent to Jersey by buying online cheaper than one can buy from big shops. Something is wrong somewhere isn’t it? I say get these issues sorted out to help Jersey become more competitive. I am not holding my breath though!!
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Reduce prices and do away with GST…then maybe just maybe
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By ‘local’ does he mean the companies who pay no tax or the mug Jersey ones that do.
It is ok for millionaires like Maclean to pontificate. We mere mortals have to buy where cheapest, because of COM polices.
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I assume the full slogan must be “Think twice, buy local, pay twice as much!”.
As a pensioner I just cannot afford to keep paying local prices when there is an alternative. For example, I wanted a digital camera and the local price in several shops was £280 so I bought it for £208 from Amazon. If I had waited a bit longer it would have been less. I wanted a Sony TV and the local price was £430 so I bought it from Amazon for £330.
Those were a couple of examples and I could add a lot more. I also use eBay mostly for films on DVD but for other items as well.
When GST was added to our prices last year we were told that is was “only” 3%. That might have fooled some people. The shops have to pay it on their rental, power and insurance which all has to be recovered. In many cases the prices had gone up by about 10% and have been climbing since then. A small can of tuna was about 35 or 40 p and is now £1.09.
When I used to go into St. Helier I was limited with my parking time and either could not find what I wanted or not at a reasonable price. Now I just stay home, I buy online and it is delivered to my front door.
The senator needs to solve the problem of such high prices rather than making pleas to us that we cannot afford to consider.
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I’d love to buy local, but at the prices they are, I simply can’t afford too…. I’m afraid it’s Safeway’s and Iceland all the way.
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Im hardly likely to buy local when the prices are so ridiculous!! Take for example Jersey dairy ice cream, butter cheese for example.
Surely they should be cheaper than the equivelent British or French products? However as usual theres some fantastical overpriced mark up for anything with “JERSEY” written on it.
If its produced localy and not imported surely that qualifies it to be cheaper than those products from the mainland.
If one is to buy “local” then support the “locals” & stop ripping them off!!!
I for one dont want to pay an extra £3 for ice cream with Jersey written on it.
I want to buy some dessert “not” the dairy!!!
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Buy local and pay DOUBLE Think Twice
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I’m in the UK at the moment & the prices in the UK are about half the price of things in Jersey. competition is greater in the UK, not just to super market chains. a 9.5kg box of persil non bio £13.00, jersey price £30.00, 500ml comfort pure concentrate £.99, jersey price £1.50. food price are much the same to many to mention.
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We need competion and quick.
The prices in Jersey are ridiculous.
Get Tesco here and quick. Then prices may come down.
I always buy off the internet. So much cheaper.
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Buy local – he’s having a laugh. As numerous people have said the mark up in our local shops is scandalous. COOP have just announced profits up 10% in a recession!!! I don’t need to think twice the alternative is far more appealing.
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MMMMMMMMMMM right, a toy cost £120 on ebay – £160 at one local toy shop and £200 at another – where do you think im going to buy from??? ( after asking if the shop priced at £160 would negotiate and would not!!)
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It’s a bit of a no-brainer really isn’t it….buy something online which would cost a hell of a lot more buying locally.
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This is a great idea, I was going to buy an lcd tv from Dabs for £650 but I can get the same tv from the JEC for £1500 – think I’ll support local business and buy local.
Or might it be easier to set fire to £850 and buy from the comfort of my home.
I am happy to buy local produce, food, milk, bread, even though the prices are outragous but anything that’s not fresh produce – internet is cheaper, easier, faster delivery and better servcice.
Local retailers stop taking the p***
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I always think twice. I go to town and price what I’m interested in buying and then check the online price. If it’s anywhere near the online price I will buy locally.
However, the attitude of so many town businesses stinks. There’s still way too much of the “well that’s the price and nobody else stocks it” attitude. I was delighted to see others making similar comments as I thought I was just becoming a grumpy old man.
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I’ve just noticed that a packet of Corn Flakes in my local Co-op is now £1.95 when it was £1.74 last month! What the hell is going on with these prices over here? I really wish that Sainsburys or Tesco would set up over here, as the way things are going, I will probably be forced to leave the Island very soon, as I just can’t afford to carry on paying these extortionate prices for ordinary everyday items!
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Well I would very much like Mr McLean see if he could manage with a food budget of £45 per week to ‘buy local’!!
We have just had friends over from the mainland and they refused to buy Jersey Royals here as they were cheaper in Sainsbury’s etc, and even had an offer of buy one bag get one free! They were appalled at all the local prices.
I’m sure we will all be happy to buy local whether it be food or whatever, if and when the prices compare with those in the UK. Until then we will look out for ourselves and not tolerate the greed that permeates this Island.
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Anyone know how much lemons cost us these days?
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Lose GST and start charging a decent price for goods not +17.5% shipping and i,ll start buying local. Untill our politicians sort out the retail crooks here i,ll buy from the uk and France
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Now if only I could rent my house online, or buy petrol, or pay for parking and buy or pay for any other service online that I overpay for here in Jersey then life would be much better because EVERYTHING is cheaper online (and there is so much more choice)
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Just bought a printer from Amazon £62 and free delivery, the same printer in 3 local shops was £77, £82 or £88, why would I wish to buy locally, it’s a rip-off.
There are many thousands of other examples of massive price differences, local shops need to act or shut up shop.
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Buy Local,
Locally manufactured or grown is the only way to buy local.
Lets face it if you buy a good car most of the money goes to Germany.
If you buy electrical it goes to Japan if its good and China if its cheap.
The best way to keep money in the Island is to spend it on women and alcohol.
I will be doing my bit for the economy.
Thank you Alan
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So Mr maclean! As you can divulge from these comments people have there brains firmly on there shoulders and dont want to be “ripped off” myself included.
Everyone knows the credit crunch is here, and all things aside there are like so many situations here in the island the problem where local is not available.
For example green beans product of Kenya,Tomatoes from Israel and Blueberries from Poland.
Perhaps when a “fair” price is asked then one can expect to support local “NOT” until then!
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I wnated to buy a Canon 400D camera (about £400) lasy year, so did two other people I knew. So, I went into town armed with the fact I wanted to buy THREE cameras for over £1200. Many tried to give me a free memory card (£10), some a free bag (£15) but best of all, when asked “what can you do if I buy three?” one retailer replied “multiply the price by three!” Funnily enough I bought all three on Amazon for about £280 each.
Local retailers have ripped locals off for years, now the tide has turned they don’t like it. Well, tough luck!
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Meanwhile, Jersey shops run their own campaign, “Think Local, Then Double the Price”.
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Think Twice Buy Local….. States Policy?
Jersey Post have a new department to encourage islanders to buy online or from the UK.
How many UK consultants are employed by the States?
How many States departments encourage the employment of UK consultants instead locals?
How many UK Companies and Consultants are designing and building the new Jersey Dairy.
Don’t do as we do; do as we say ” Think twice, buy local”
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Nice post Teresa #7. I would suggest that the States follow their own advice and start shopping local as well.
Senator McLean, did you actually do basic business studies at school?
Business is business. They are not charities. They owe us nothing and we owe them nothing.
The consumer will always look for the best deal in quality and price. If Jersey businesses can’t compete then that’s tough.
When they stop ripping us off they will get my custom.
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Julie #22 I was in the UK last week, and whilst there decided to pop into a local Tesco. I came out feeling depressed. Making a mental note of all everyday items I usually buy, the price difference was staggering. I worked out that it would save me about £30 week – £1500 per year!! I would like Senator Maclean to respond to comments like this. By the way Julie, the large 750g Cornflakes were £1.12 in Tesco!
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No thankyou.
I am sick of being ripped off by ‘local’ retailers for years. I have no sympathy if you go out of business. This is your karma.
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A politician pictured next to an overpriced cabbage…interesting angle..while there are some cheeky retailers here ,don’t forget the real culprits…Greedy Landlords…one shop in King st.is reputed to be over One hundred thousand pounds a year rent,and that’s before you switch on a light bulb or hire staff,sometimes the retail prices are just a reflection of running costs,perhaps when the shops are rotten and crumbling the avaricious will capitulate..just don’t hold your breath
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another way of keeping jersey money in the economy, would be the cut the number of outside contractors , rolling off the overpriced ferry.
why would any one not shop on line ,cheaper, no need to drive to the shop , no paycard to waste
more and more people may be asking :do i realy need this item:
shame wages are not tied to the cost of a house.
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Shouldn’t the States reinforce this statement by setting an example?
If the States had supported local contractors over recent years instead of favouring mainland UK contractors, I might have stayed in Jersey.
I’m talking about construction for those who are uncertain about my reference to “contractors”.
Short sighted and hypocritical states policies.
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Well I bought some wonderful peonies at the Trinity Spring Fair and they cost me about half of the M & S price. Also some fantastic local strawberries, the punnets were full to the brim and they were really sweet and juicy -not like some of those you get from overseas with no taste at all.
There are pros and cons but if the quality of local produce is good and the price not OTT then I will always try to support our local producers. If we want to keep our beautiful countryside it has to pay for itself.
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I’d love to buy local but I recently bought an electrical appliance via the internet for £67.90. I was quoted £203 from a local supplier so they lost a sale. How can they justify such a difference in price and how can they complain about losing business when this happens?
I hope Senator McClean reads all these messages. He needs to know how people feel before making statments to the press about supporting local businesses.
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No way will I buy local for large electrical/electronic goods. Amazon all the way.
Food wise, maybe, Lucas Bros and some of the farm shops/roadside stalls have some great fresh produce.
We need another supermarket for the everyday things. I cant believe the JCRA went to a public referendum. They issue Telco licences willy nilly. Why not open the doors to all.
Lets not get started on bloomin Condor.
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I believe that Mr. Maclean’s campaign is to be lauded, and that supporting our local economy should be a prime goal of every islander – however there are a number of issues to be addressed:
1 – While it is a disservice to accuse all local businesses of gouging their island patrons, there are a number of examples where poor management, miserable customer service, and a generally poor attitude displayed by some local establishments make it very difficult to support them. We all realise that due to economies of scale, additional shipping costs, and a generally smaller pool of consumers some prices will inevitably by higher in Jersey. I think that most of us could ’stretch’ that little bit extra, and would do, if we felt we would be somehow rewarded for it – perhaps by better service. Unfortunately, it seems that many local businesses had a licence ‘to print money’ in the good times and subsequently never developed the business acumen to steer a company during a ‘down’ period. Unless they adjust their practices, many Island businesses will continue to suffer for this.
2 – The States have failed on a number of levels to support small businesses on the Island. The costs of freight service to and from the Island are a challenge to competitiveness, which to date I have seen no action taken on. Given the importance of transport to the success of the Island, I am surprised that the States have not created a ‘nationalised’ and state owned/subsidised ferry/transport company. It strikes me a much better option to subsidise a state owned entity which would prove beneficial to every Islander, than to subsidise commercial entities (like Condor) whose subsidies leave our shores in the form of foreign profits.
3 – The States have also failed to assist islanders in their aspirations to maintain gainful employment through the economic downturn. For example, one local firm made about 20 employees redundant towards the end of last year – saving an estimated £800k per year. Less than 6 months later, this same firm is paying an estimated £1 million per year to 7 or 8 contractors who are doing some of the work previously done by some their ‘redundant’ staff. A shining example of poor management and lack of concern for the local economy, especially as all of the contractors are from the UK mainland, paying no taxes or social security in Jersey – while some of the redundant staff remain unemployed. How did the States grant them licences – and why?!
Each of us has a responsibility to support and contribute to our local community – the States of Jersey have an obligation to create a framework which enables us to do so. We’re all doing what we can, but our current government is failing miserably to assist us.
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Would if it was in stock. I recently asked for an item from a local supplier who did not have it stock and told me I would have to wait 8 weeks before his next order. Went on the internet and had it delivered the following day and cheaper!
Happy to support local businesses but it must be two way…
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Oh come on Nellie. You go to the market in st helier and the price of jersey royals is more expensive than it is in england!!
Yes there is keeping our island our island but not at the expensive of the inhabitants! Im not going to bankrupt myself just to help out a few more local people.
If i have the choice between buying local and spending more money, or buying online and spending less money on one item and having somehting left over to put away, im going to buy the cheap. Retailers over here are far too greedy because they think we dont have anywhere else to go
Same as social security and income support are greedy. Only in Jersey!
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I think the,re trying to ensure we will never get too fat by failing to get another outlet in to keep prices down.
Every week prices are rising and they do absolutly nothing about it.
Why are they not inviting another store in?is it because they don,t want competition or have they got shares in the shops concerned?seems crazy to me as they have been talking for years about bringing another player in,even had a poll voting for another store.All this ignored as usual.ok for more clothes shoes and others as long as it is,nt food.give all sorts of excuses for not allowing another to set up.makes you wonder why.
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Olympus TOUGH-8000 camera 280 pounds at one local shop compared to 230 pounds to an online retailer.
I thought twice.
A kayak + Paddle + Seat ordered from a UK store including delivery 380 pounds, Same kayak no paddle or seat 430 pounds from a local dealer.
I thought twice.
Western Digital TV media player
Jersey retailer 99 pounds
UK retailer 78 pounds
These are just a few examples, many people like myself always check the price of products locally but always find them a lot cheaper else where.
Whilst many shops do take advantage of the monopoly of being the only dealers for certain products there are those who have no chose but to charge what they do because they pay such high rent on their shops, and have no support from their goverment.
If the States want the public to start buying and using local trade then maybe they should do the same.
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I support the ‘Genuine Jersey’ produce where I can and have done for some time, but this comes with a warning. Jersey Royal are great, but not if they are immature and green.
Adrian (8) is on the button again. It is not the protestation of Senator Maclean that matter; it is the quality and value of the produce. The tomato export industry is dead so I expect to see shelves of fresh vegetables and herbs, grown in Jersey rather than flown in for Thailand or Kenya.
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I would love to see cheaper commodities on this Island. Food in particular seems so expensive compared to the UK. I have no idea how those in retirement cope. But the reason I started the campaign some years ago before this latest recession was simply to get the discussion going and provoke people into thinking about their puchases, making a more informed choice.
I buy off the internet. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t but where I can I buy from here. It keeps people in jobs and money moving through the economy. I don’t believe that there is an intention by most local retailers to rip us off, you can get ripped off equally as well on the internet, most people just want to earn a decent living and enjoy what this Island has to offer. I support that.
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I think I will start my own business.
I plan to sit in King Street with a laptop and access to all of the online shopping sites. If anyone wants to buy something they should come and see me. I’m confident I will be cheaper than almost all of the other “retailers” on the street and if it is electrical I could probably get it delivered to your door quicker than most of the “local” shops could from their own store.
One question, though; – As I would be acting as an internet company and sourcing from outside of the island can I register as GST exempt and a 0-10 company? If I can keep my tax down I can make more money from the people of Jersey!
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Sarah – I did say there were pros and cons – you have to make up your own mind how much you are willing to spend on certain items or how much you can afford and shop accordingly.
Jersey Royals in the UK are generally marketed by large supermarkets and the grower makes his money through bulk sales. If you are a local small grower selling to a limited market you don’t have this advantage, however the produce should be fresher and of better quality over here as it hasn’t been knocked about whilst travelling.
You can also buy Royals from the farm shops or roadside kiosks (cutting out the middle man)- cheaper but not as convenient and difficult if you don’t have transport but also supporting the local economy.
The smaller growers are certainly not making a fortune – they’re basically just ticking over and keeping going by renting out some of their buildings to other businesses or diversifying in other ways. Food is very expensive and GST certainly hasn’t helped but it’s not the local small grower that’s ripping you off.
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Well said SteveC
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What would you do?
A little test for everyone:-
1.Same product more expensive or cheaper.
Which one is it?
2.Wait a few weeks or get it tomorrow?
Which one is it?
3.No choice or choice?
Which one is it?
4.Customer service bad or good?
Which one is it?
5.Do you feel you should support local business just for the sake of it yes or no?
Which one is it?
6.Are you happy with Jersey prices yes or no?
Which one is it?
7.Do you feel you are being taken advantage of over here no or yes?
Which one is it?
If you have had the above seven thoughts and picked the second option every time, I know what you are going to do!
What would the good Senator do I wonder?
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I always think twice and, if I can, buy everywhere except Jersey as just too expensive. We are sitting in the middle of the sea yet fish is more expensive than 500 miles inland elsewhere. Go to M&S, the Coop or wherever: is it not annoying that we pay more than in the UK despite not having 15% VAT but 3% GST?
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Whilst on a short break in the UK a month ago I noticed one of the soles on my boots had split. I popped into a shoe shop on chance and was sold a complete sole repair kit including glue and spreader for £5.00. There was plenty of helpfull advice from the cobbler as to how to use the glue.
A few days later and back in Jersey I decided to do the same job on a pair of deck shoes to take them through the summer. I eventually found a cobblers on Burrard st. No kits only soles – price £7.50. Gosh thats a bit expensive – I bought a whole kit in the UK for £5.00 last week. Do you want these or not was the answer.
Buy local – well get real.
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How do you define ‘local’ when so many shops are not owned from within the island and all profits leak out of the island anyway?
Thanks to our tax policy which now sees local firms liable to tax but overseas companies not charged, many ‘local’ shops have been sold to off-island companies – great tax dodge!
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And perhaps the lesson from the posts above is that retail is not a viable business in Jersey other than in the area of perishible goods.
And that shouldn’t be suprising – if the likes of Adams, Morgan and Woolworths can’t find a way to make money on the high street in the UK, surely Helier Le Bean isn’t going to stand a chance.
I don’t believe this is about local retailers ripping people off, simply that the costs and economies of scale offered by the internet make retail an unprofitable proposition generally, and even harder in Jersey, given teh costs of floorspace and staff.
The States should try to focus on what can be done to make sure that current retail space is utilised in future in a way that makes town attractive – and that may mean things like galleries that improve the quality of life, may not be financially profitable but are better than having endless charity shops or boarded up buildings.
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As the unemployment level increases, why is the COM deciding that there is a need to increase the local population?
Am I missing something, as it seems a truly bizarre decision to me, as I fail to see how an increase in population will give a solution to Jersey’s challenges.
Has there been any suggestion that if the States reviewed and reduced their expenditure, that this might be a step forward.
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When i was a student in the UK you could buy 6 pork sausages, a loaf of bread a litre of milk, a box of teabags, a can of beans and 4 rashers of bacon for brekky and you’d get it all for arround £3.00
try doing that over here and you’ll get arrested for shoplifting.
think twice! (is anyone looking)
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think twice buy local……think smart buy online is my version. i buy 98% off my items not inc food, medicines and petrol online and why.. the savings are immense. not talking £10 £20 in some cases i have saved £300 on one item. laptop in tow £350 online £250 delivered, camera in town £700 online £496 delivered, solo ink cartridge in town £11 online £6 delivered. all brand new from registered retailers and exactly the same brands makes etc as sold here. In alot of cases the item online is cheaper than localy even if the online shop kept the vat on but 99% of the time you get vat off at the point of sale. i reckon so far this year my savings go into the 1000’s by shopping online. also shop through a cash back site and save even more money. everything i order wether a dvd or my 40 inch tele has great savings and delivered within 48 hours. even the emails confirming yuor order are more polite than a lot of shop staff. where is the incentive to shop and buy locally…there isn’t one..simple
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Think Twice Buy of the Internet.
I went into town to buy a new BOSE Radio/CD/MP3 player.
The local department store wanted to charge me RRP+VAT+GST, I purchased the same item from the UK and they removed the VAT got it here NEXT DAY FREE costing £100 less.
Im a bean, I love Jersey, but I hate local shops. You dont run a business by exploiting your monopoly.
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Seems like this campaign has shot itself in the foot…..I am more convinced than ever now to continue shopping online.
We must remember that we also save GST when buying online if under £400….another incentive
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Having worked in a local retailer it is surprising how many people buy products cheap via the internet then expect the local agent to exchange or fix, free of charge naturally, the product when it does not work. Of course the internet is going to be cheaper as they do not have to provide any guarantee, back up, pay staff a proper wage and evade paying tax.
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Local businesses are all to aware of this, I was recently escorted out of a local shop for taking a photo with my camera phone of something I wanted to buy. My intention was to text the pic to my wife to see if she agreed with the purchase.
As I had been evicted I bought it online anyway for less.
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Hello…. Senator MacLean…..
Are you listening?
Are you getting the message?
Do you get it now?
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No THANKS! I buy most things from the internet and get VAT refunded and NO GST!!!!!
That’s a general saving per item of 18%, plus there’s better deals online anyway
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And sanity, unfortunately if you are a supplier/dealer/franchisee you have to uphold warranty on items! Tough for those companies, they should lower their profit margins! And you are making a dangerous assumption by stating that they evade tax etc! I’m sure there are disreputable dealers, but most internet companies I have dealt with are brilliant and honest.
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Sanity – “Of course the internet is going to be cheaper as they do not have to provide any guarantee, back up, pay staff a proper wage and evade paying tax.”
This argument does not really stack up and is a convenient untruth repeated by local retailers.
For instance, if my locally bought iPod breaks down I have to personally post it to be repaired. If I have a problem with my internet bought iPod the same applies. Both places pay their staff a proper wage and they pay tax.
When I had problems with my camera the shop where I bought it locally told me that it would take about 6 weeks to fix because they had to send it to the UK to do it. It was the way the shop do repairs. No ‘back up’ there and the guarantee was with the manufacturer not the shop.
So long as you use reputable companies on the internet they are guaranteed.
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I’m in the UK at the moment and I am stunned at how much less expensive M&S prices are here. So, I asked a friend who works in the King Street M&S and he said that food prices on fresh produce was bumped up as much as 13% on the full UK price.
And… while I’m on the subject. I bought a super king-sized bed last year with a memory foam mattress – £2,800 was the Jersey price and the UK price was £1,200 with free delivery. I definitly thought twice.
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How come fresh jersey produce is cheaper in the uk than where its grown! You just have to look at the jersey royal prices in uk shops! Milk over a pound a litre, petrol under a pound a litre. local bread over a pound, uk 50p a loaf. people wonder why cars are filled with food and clothes when people return from abroad. Its far too expensive over here. and yes these big supermarkets dont pay tax as there not local. We do on everything to cover it. What would you do if you were the owner of a shop coming from the uk to sell goods in this wonderful island, well for years jersey has been branded an island for tax dodgers and full of rich people. Theres your answer as to why we pay so much for everything not just local produce. stigmatised
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As far as I’m aware the public have no duty to serve as a charity for local retailers. For much too long prior to the credit crunch a number of local shops were happy to charge overinflated prices, safe in the knowledge the island’s captive consumers had no alternative but to pay up.
Now at a time of global recession local retailers (who largely haven’t dropped their prices, and who in many cases continue to increase them) expect us to ignore the cheaper internet option, pay premium prices, lie back and think of Jersey?
Think twice? Once bitten, twice shy.
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I bought a house in jersey 10 years ago for £185,000 and it is now worth £500.000 if i would have bought a house in the UK instead it would only be worth £250,000 thank goodness i thought twice and bought local.
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No chance!
Far too expensive. I only buy the essentials here..bread, milk etc.
Everything else gets brought on-line and I mean everything! Miles cheaper and no driving round looking for parking space for 20 mins.
#5 Moggit – We do the same when we go to the UK, fill the car to bursting with non-perishables. Normally have enough to last a good 6 months!
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What about empLoying more local staff so they can purchase these goods then the money stays here instead of imported labour that sends their money out of the Island & spend very little here.
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What is interesting here is that many of the people who say they will buy off the internet rather than locally are also the ones who say the States should try to diversify the economy.
At the moment, the finance industry is the main source of wealth generation. That means it brings money into Jersey from OUTSIDE the Island. Perhaps agriculture and tourism bring in some, but I suspect it all goes into the hands of a very small number of farmers and hoteliers.
The point is, for every pound you spend on the internet, a pound is lost to the Island. Which means, if the Island is to remain solvent, the industries that bring money in need to work harder. And the only industry that does bring in money is…the finance industry.
In other words, if you want to diversify the economy, buy local, especially genuine Jersey. But if you take the cheaper option and buy from overseas, don’t complain about the finance industry being the only game in town, because the weakness of other industries is a direct result of your actions. And not only do you weaken other industries, but in taking money out of the Jersey economy you force the finance industry to expand to make up the shortfall you have created.
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Mr Sensible:
How did you afford to spend £185.000 on a house 10 years ago!? You must have been in the wage bracket the States thought we were all in?
As for the rest of the comments, buy local, we can afford it, after all aren’t we all on an average wage of £36.000 per annum???
The game plan is, price the working class out of the Island, keep the rich here, (and the odd peasant to do the dirty work). Greed has cost this Island it’s tourism as well as it’s character and it’s community spirit.
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Mr Sensible:
Sorry I forgot to mention, If you had have spent £185.000 on a house ten years ago in the UK you probably would have purchased a house 10 times the size of the one you have, + a driveway + a double garage + a big garden both back and front.
Does your sensible now £500.000 house have those???
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Mad Foetus 74
I think you’ll find that people would like to buy local if it wasn’t such a rip off.
Would you pay £500 + GST and poor service for an item in Jersey when you can so easily pay £300 (without GST)+ good service for exactly the same item online?
Why on earth would you intentionally waste your hard earned income in this manner?
I
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We are leaving the island and going to live in the UK in a few weeks; it’s so much cheaper, even rent is about half what we pay here (for a bigger house!). Even with higher tax / council tax, we will be much better off… and that’s taking a substantial pay cut. The simple truth is that we’ve had to think twice and realised we can’t afford to buy local anymore.
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Dishwasher from UK Supermarket £200
Dishwasher from a sharing caring company in Jersey £350
Think Twice and buy local if your as thick as some of our states members.
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Mad Foetus is obviously earning too much money if he can afford to waste it locally. Others who haven’t got money to burn like him have to shop around for the best deal.
Just because the States waste money doesn’t mean islanders should follow suit does it Mad Foetus?
Maybe if all the rich people spend their money locally, as they have much, much, more than the majority can ever aspire to, then local businesses can carry on charging high prices. This would help everyone over here wouldn’t it?
However there isn’t much hope of that, is there, are the rich don’t waste their money, do they? They will be buying online just like the rest of Jersey.
Unfortunately for Jersey businesses, it is the online businesses who are efficient and provide a good deal. Why prop up local businesses that aren’t interested in being competitive? Why prop up a government that isn’t interested in compelling local businesses to be competitive?
For the CoM a nice catchy little number:-
If you want people to pay GST
then you need to get rid of VAT
Thought for the day:-
How much stability does a one legged man have?
About as much as a one business economy.
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Bought a 32inch TV last year cost £377 (no vat added and free delivery). Saw same TV’s locally -cheapest was £499 (at Woolworths) other retailers were charging between £549 and £599. Apart from price it is so much easier ordering online, no need to go into town, park, put up with poor service etc.
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Mr Sensible.
Well done for buying your house, you really are a business guru. I am sure that in accruing your £315k for doing nothing and finding yourself suitably smug you don’t wonder if others (namely young Islanders) can’t keep uo with your generation. For the £185k you spent I can afford a small one bed flat. My wages aren’t three times higher than they would’ve been ten years ago, so that’s my generation knackered! Well done Mr Sensible, what a role model.
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I live in Jersey so have no choice but to buy a house in Jersey, so I am really not sure what Mr Sensible’s point is (@71)
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Adrian,
I buy over the internet but I also support the finance industry and buy as much local food as I can.
My point is simply that you have no right to ask the States to support local businesses that you will not support yourself. If you want a diversified economy, you have to pay for it.
Overwise, get resigned to an Island where the finance industry is the only business around and everyone else works in satellite industries funded by the finance industry.
But stop attacking the finance industry, because without it, there is nothing in Jersey at all. Because people like you won’t pay for it.
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Mad Foetus I can’t support something that I don’t believe in on moral and ethical grounds. A line needs to be drawn now, people need to reassess their priorites before we ruin this planet.
So I see even you aren’t supporting local business are you, prefering to abuse a system which you believe in?
I have already said that once the States force down prices over here I will be happy to buy locally until then don’t expect me to do so. I resent paying a tax on a tax. Once VAT is removed I am quite happy to pay a local tax, and not before!
Your outlook on things is much the same as Senator Maclean’s from what I can see of it on here. He too talks of diversification in the same field.
Anyone who can’t see that being reliant on finance is a very dangerous position, is blind to economic reality as far as I am concerned. This sort of thing is doomed to failure.
I strongly urgue immediate steps are taken to start disengaging from finance as soon as possible, and to find other ways to make a living, before someone else outside says enough is enough.
Everything has a cost, there is no such thing as a free lunch as someone has to pay for it. A loss in one area has to be made up with higher taxes or else the social fabric has to be cut. I view it as morally wrong to do this to others, maybe you think this is good?
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“once the States force down prices over here”
What can they do? The cost drivers are wages and rent. Are you advocating paying staff less? Are you advocating that the States use the whole strategic reserve to buy St Helier and rent it out cheap to retailers?
Come on, lets have some ideas.
You say we should get rid of the finance industry yet you refuse to support other industries with your own money.
So, there is the challenge – name the alternative industries that could create jobs and wealth for the Island. Name the sources of wealth that will pay for hospitals, schools, supporting new industries and forcing prices down.
Oh yes, I forgot – your answer is always to get the very rich to pay for everything. What a great idea – amazing how nobody in the world has tried it.
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Mr Sensible, your housebuying story just doesn’t add up.
I bought a house in the UK and within 7 years (which is within the decade you speak of) it had doubled in value, and although I had decorated it I hadn’t put on any extensions or anything that would add value.
That’s all beside the point though, other houses in Jersey will have risen in price just as much so the ‘profit’ you have made will just go to pay for the ‘profit’ someone else has made on their house if you decide to move. Same as happens in the UK. All house values have increased, the only way your value increase would matter is if you now sold your house and moved to the UK.
And as many have pointed out, I dread to think what you bought for £185k over here, but back then you would have got a veritable mansion in the UK for that money… something that would now be worth more than £500k I suspect!
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Mad Foetus, a diversified economy may be what people want but they mean choice as well! There isn’t the choice over here. The local CD and DVD store must be getting managed terribly because the stuff that is majorly popular worldwide just now isn’t even available there. And it isn’t just that it’s sold out because I always ask when the next stock is coming in and the answer is always that there isn’t any on order!
I don’t know if these are strictly franchises or not but I can say that these businesses are not being run as professionaly as their counterparts in the UK!
A diversified economy is a great idea, but it has to be done properly and the businesses have to be run by people that actually know what they are doing.
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DP @ 82 i think your missing the “irony” of Mr S.
Mr Byrans – i bet you buy local! – but only if it is from one of your pals from your exclusive and selcetive breakfast club(s)
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leah,
the reason retail is so poor in Jersey is because anyone with half a brain can earn much more in the finance industry. I suspect the amount you get as a store manager in Jersey is less that the lowest trust administrator.
But the solution can’t be to “support” retail at the expense of the finance industry. The truth is, most local people don’t want to pick potatoes, stack shelves, man tills or empty tables.
Which is why I wonder whether the real solution isn’t to accept that retail will be a much smaller sector of the economy in future and look at how we can use existing shop space to create environments that make town a better, more interesting place. After all, there is more to life than spending money.
I would, however, like to be able to buy locally reared meat in town. And am I the only one who thinks the markets are tired and most of their produce past its sell by date? They don’t compare to most farm shops for quality or price, that’s for sure.
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“#
mad foetus
Posted June 5, 2009 at 2:27 pm
leah,
the reason retail is so poor in Jersey is because anyone with half a brain can earn much more in the finance industry. I suspect the amount you get as a store manager in Jersey is less that the lowest trust administrator.”
How very offence you are.
Your message would suggest a belief the retail sector is populated by Managers who are there because they lack the intellect to work in finance.
Without fail, every shop Manager I have known, or worked for, works in retail because they enjoy that environment. They made a choice to pursue a retail career. It wasn’t second prize because they were too stupid to cut it in finance.
Having also worked in finance I know a number of finance workers who wouldn’t be able to cut it in retail. If a job requires more involvement than remembering what the latest pen pushing or button punching system is, they’re lost. So what does that say?
A lot of people have walked into careers in Jersey’s finance industry without any prior financial experience or qualifications. So please, don’t make out that by default the finance industry is populated by a superior breed of islanders.
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Mr Sensible.
Your house appears to have outperformed the Local market considerably. On average, a house bought in Jersey for 185k 10 years ago would be worth 395k now. A house bought in England for 185k 10 years ago would be worth 370k now (down from 455k 18 months ago).
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Mad Foetus you and I know full well it doesn’t cost 15% or more to get goods into Jersey!
Therefore the States need to sort this out.
Prices to and from Jersey need to be sorted out they are to high.
Also as per rents in St.Helier they are uneconomic for businesses. Therefore they need to be lowered don’t they?
All the States have to do is bring in laws to control rental prices this will have the desired effect of making the running of business more cost effective. The States don’t need to spend any of the £44M fund to achieve this do they?
If rentals are brought down inflationary pressures will also be eased meaning people can get by on less, so that wages would level off also increasing profitability, as economies of scale are increased due to prices being more and more competitive with online shopping.
I cannot afford to support local industry by wasting my money here. I need it to go further, it is a question of economics, even you buy on line and you have a very well paid job. Also why should the less well off support the rich by buying locally? It is after all a two way street you know.
It is people like you who could afford to support the local economy yet even you don’t! If those who can afford to support the local economy can’t be bothered why expect the likes of me with little money to bother? This is typical of Jersey those that could do more don’t.
As for other industries that could help Jersey
generate revenue streams.
1. Alternative energy, tidal power.
2. Set up research units into pushing forward alternative energy models to generate revenue streams.
3. Give incentives for a film industry to set up in Jersey.
4. Get a powerboat world series race annually in Jersey
5. Get a Formula 1 race annually in Jersey.
6. Have more sporting events in Jersey to encourage overseas competitors to come to Jersey.
7. Open up a research institute over here.
8. Have a local university so that foreign students as well as local students could be educated here.
9. Develop IT further.
10.Casino for multi-millionaires to come in a and spend some money in a rich man’s paradise.
11.Regenerate tourism.
12.Regenerate agriculture.
As per the very rich I have never advocated that they pay for everything, even though they could. I have said they should pay their fair share and you tell me what is wrong with that?
So there you go a few answers for you, even if you may not like them!
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DP, when i bought my house i was at the time a young islander, i grafted at my day job, saved and had a job at night up to 10pm filling shelves at the co op and worked weekends for 2 years only went out occasionally, yes you may think i had a sad life for 2 years but i had managed to save a good deposit, while other people spent weekends spending the hard earned wages in the pub. So yes i do feel smug because i had the foresight that hard work gave rewards in the end. The house was in a terrible state when i bought it but being in the building trade (an electrician) i worked doing it up myself so Dave@92 that is why it is valued at that now, So DP i sacrificed 2 years of Hard work and another 3 years working hard doing the place up so if young Jersey people are looking for a role model i am it.It can be done but you have to put your life on hold.
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Maybe the solution would be for local shops to follow the examples set by many of the above. Sack all their overpaid local staff, close their expensive town showrooms and work from a catalogue in a garden shed. You pick your goods from the pictures and if anything goes wrong they will give you a premium UK phone number to call to get it fixed. The local workers will be compensated by the tax payer thanks to Red Geoff who will get loads of votes from the unemployed. Our new left wing green government will close down the finance industry along with the incinerator, electric power and sewerage systems, ban cars and all the immigrants from the last 40 years will return home leaving us few beans to scrape a living digging spuds with the few lucky ones being employed as serfs for our few remaining 1.1.ks.
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Adrian.
Power boat racing
Formula one
Casino
Are these suggestions tongue in cheek or have you taken leave of your principles?
You worry me sometimes.
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Formula 1!
I love that idea. If you could just pont out exatly where we could have the track – although I suppose the St Helier one way system might be an interesting spectacle!
So we get the States to pass laws to limit the amount of rent that can be charged to businesses, thus ensuring that the consumer benefits from lower prices (yeah, right! nobody is going to look at a larger profit margin and rub their hands together on that one are they!) Whilst we are at it, so that we can stop inflation we can get the States to pass a law which caps how much money we can all earn as well. That way prices should always remain the same. Would you be happy in the knowledge that you were not going to earn any more money next year than you will this year, Adrian?
Or alternatively, we could make the rich share their wealth with everyone else and make everyone equal. All businesses will put their profits into one big pot and everyone will be able to benefit from it. Oh, hang on a sec, aren’t we starting to head towards communism here? There’s a thought! That’s bound to work!
On the point of the actual story, I buy local. I mean lets get real here, the only thing that is actually local is veg, milk and bread. And we have to buy local for that so that it’s fresh! We have no factories, we produce no electrical goods, we don’t have anything other than the tomato and the potato that we export so if we are buying a new TV why not buy it online. If I do buy something like this from a local retailer I don’t do it because I worry they are going to lose their jobs if I don’t. That’s down to the local business to stay competitive.
We can’t expect the States to force them to drop their prices. We make the businesses react by not using them. If they want to stay open they will have to change their pricing to meet the needs of the consumer.
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I have just bought the Torchwood series 2 dvd box set from Amazon for £18.01 (including delivery). The same box set in HMV in Jersey is £50! Why would anyone be happy to spend £32 more for the same item?
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pay twice, buy local
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Adrian,
Your ideas are complete non-starters. The biggest red herring of the lot is tidal power. Look at what green scientists are saying and nobody with any credentials supports either tidal or wind power. Everyone supports nuclear or solar, particularly large scale solar plants in deserts. There, the technology is available, the damage to ecosystems minimal, the cost known and reasonable.
Film, IT, tourism, agriculture – its all pie in the sky. What you need to work out is the bottom line. What can we grow in Jersey that can be got to market quicker or cheaper or better than the same product grown in England, France, Spain etc? Very little. Even Jersey Royals have lost much of their cachet and were seen as a rip-off by leading chefs for many years (Simon Hopkinson for example).
Tourism? Go to somewhere like Liverpool airport and see the offers for easyjet. Why fly to Jersey when you can go anywhere in Europe for half the price and be guaranteed sun and “eastern european cultural values”?
As for formula 1 and powerboating – well, your green credentials didn’t last long.
The only game in town is intellectual property based service industries. That means the finance industry, maybe some patent work. But anything physical that needs to be exported or which relies on goods to be imported – forget it. No Island in the world survives on that sort of business.
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I,ve just thought twice and bought local at amazon via rue de pres an electric tooth brush at half the price after comparison in our shops.
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I would like to always buy locally and do not understand why local businesses make it so difficult to buy locally in the first place. Firstly, the shops are never fully stocked, it has to be ordered, it takes weeks to get what you want. Order from the internet, you do not have to move from your home, the item is normally in stock and if it is not it does not take that long and more importantly, it is always cheaper to buy from the internet. Local businesses should be prepared to at least match a price and therefore getting the sale, rather than the customer having to turn to the internet to buy elsewhere. Lets face it, unfortunately you do not always get service with a smile in our local stores either, though that cannot be said for all.
I have been in to one particular local store to buy a certain item before, the cost of it was more than double the price I could get it for from the internet and when I told the local shop this, they did not make any effort to reduce the price. This is where local businesses are going wrong. They need to be prepared to reduce their prices which have been cleared marked up to an extortionate price.
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just been into a well known home entertainment
retailers.
car cassette adaptor to play a ipod, cost £9.99p.
cost on ebay £1.00p to £3.00p including postage.
i did feel robbed.
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“car cassette adaptor to play a ipod”
Bit of a clash of technologies!
How ever old is the car?
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I’m a recent arrival from the UK doing an “essential” job working for the states (and I do thank Jersey locals for the opportunity).
I don’t understand how retailers get away with their pricing policies. Many shops clearly state that “price marked goods will have 3% GST added at the tills”. What!!!!! These prices are for the UK market and include 1. cost of product, 2. a reasonable profit for the retailer 3. VAT (usually at 17.5%, not 15% as they haven’t messed around, just absorbed the change as 2.5% profit). This is beyond a rip-off, it is criminal profiteering.
Also, I bought a mobile phone recently which hasn’t worked properly since it was new. Finally today the company agrees a fault is present and “sends it for repair”. Unbelievable! How about simply supplying me with what I paid for. I never agreed to them tinkering with my purchase until they got it right. It was sold as a working product, not a test model with a few bugs to sort out.
With the poor consumer protection here, the crazy “uk rrp +3% GST” pricing policies and the horrific customer service, I will do all I can to avoid buying local as retailers appear to be free to rip off everyone who risks walking through their doors.
I honestly feel for anyone who is forced to buy anything but food locally.
Incidentally, hasn’t the entire world been up in arms about this kind of protectionism. The EU, Japan and China had a major bust up with Obama over a similar policy in the USA. Do the Jersey politicians know more about global recession than all the major economies in the world? Or maybe we should support the global economy and save our precious pennies so we can make it through the recession ourselves?
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Like many other people, I am a late on line shopper but now Ive started I cant think why I didnt do it earlier! Ive now bought furniture, electrical items, clothing etc all from well know high street retailers and MUCH MUCH CHEAPER than any price in Jersey.
I will echo ” Think double, buy local” or “Think again before buying local”.
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TO 105 Confused.
I would not ‘go about’ telling people you are “an imported essential worker”.
The States and their “hirelings” get so much wrong, especially when ‘hiring from the other side of the pond’.
My advice to you is to go back and work in the UK pay VAT. At the same time a ‘local’ can have your job and home!
Jobs in Jersey should be protected for Jersey born children, of Jersey born children, because these children cannot not go into the EU and work or take up residence.
I’ve heard all the denials just look in their Passports, it is illegal for this category of people to do so.
We can live and work in the UK, but then there is no work to be had, and all those out of work seem to be in Jersey as “essential workers”.
Harry.
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To Harry 107
I appreciate the sentiment, but as you will no doubt know, states jobs are advertised for those with residency qualifications before anyone else can apply. In my case no local applied! I was the only applicant from outside Jersey. The job is apparently “essential” so where would the island be if I hadn’t taken the job? If a local had wanted the job they could have taken it before I even had the opportunity to see the advert. The job attracts approximately average wages so don’t think I’m a rich consultant. You rightly state that anyone Jersey born can take work in the UK, but you also seem keen to reject workers who make the reverse journey. I’m not quite sure why you suggest that I avoid telling people that I work for the States in an essential role. Surely there are some roles that must be filled regardless of a person’s background. As I understand it most of the island’s teachers are from the UK – would you like them all to leave their essential roles? I think the parents of children without schools might try to persuade them to stay.
Just because I find pricing and customer service to be questionable does not mean that I don’t support the island in other ways. I pay my income tax just like anyone else.
As for housing, I certainly won’t be able to afford to buy anything for around 15 years and I doubt there is a Jersey born person queueing up for my current accomodation.
Incidently if only locals work here how will the island cope with it’s aging population? Tax increases will be unavoidable unless sensible immigration is maintained.
The question here is buying local – I’ll buy from anywhere at a reasonable price with decent customer service. Everyone has the right to do that.
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There are certain people who post on this site who are very left of centre, support the JDA and SS and bang on about how Jersey only looks after the rich. But when it actually comes to their own pocket they adopt the short term thinking of ‘every man for themselves’ attitude and purchase from companies not paying tax in Jersey rather than recycling or ’sharing’ the wealth they base their political views on. Kind of ironic don’t you think. Not surprising though.
Yes Jersey can be more expensive, but not always – you need to shop about. All those that bought items for less elsewhere – did you actually challenge the shop? 9/10 I do this locally owned shops (not chains) will better or equal the price. As for internet sites, why not purchase from the one based in Jersey and not Amazon etc.
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To Harry (107) your comments are part of the reason that Jersey is in a mess! Jobs should be given to the best qualified academically not housing- wise! If my jersey born children did not get a job here I would tell them to look elsewhere and not expect things to be given to them on a plate just because they were born in a certain place.-Apologies for being slightly off topic to the rest of the posters!
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