THE Channel Islands Co-op is so concerned by the possible repercussions of the recent consultancy report on the retail sector that it has offered to help the researchers to go back to the drawing board.

The report by Experian Property Consultancy – which cost the Economic Development Committee £62,500 – has been the object of criticism by the Jersey Chamber of Commerce since it was released in the public domain in August.

Now individual retailers are raising their objections to the findings, which suggest that the Island needs a new superstore double the size of any that currently exists in Jersey, together with an out-of-town shopping mall.

Last week the Chamber presented business leaders with a report they themselves commissioned, written by retail expert Professor Leigh Sparks, which suggested that although the findings of the Experian report could have economic advantages, it would be at the expense of the independent retailer.