Retail

The retail sector is a significant part of the Island’s economy contributing an essential service which, in today’s world, is also seen as a prominent leisure activity. To keep pace with rising expectations of the public, it is becoming increasingly important to develop the shopping experience and continue to attract custom. Change is necessary for business growth and needs to be managed and implemented by able staff who are committed to their enterprise and retailing as a varied and interesting career.

The DTI has a role to play in supporting the commitment to develop the retail sector and held an initial seminar to stimulate thinking about ways to promote retail business. Training at management level is a key requirement for promoting business development. As learning is implemented and passed on, retail staff will benefit by ‘learning by osmosis’, retail operations can be improved, service provided to customers can be enhanced and retail businesses can grow and prosper. The Department plans to develop appropriate methods of learning to support the existing training available for retailers on the Island and to continue to work with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, Douglas Development Partnership and other retail organisations to draw on the valuable expertise existing in the sector. The aim is to ensure that training is accessible to all retailers, regardless of size, who have a keen interest and desire to learn.

Please also see the Manx Business Connection retail page and the DTI’s Training Schemes and Initiatives for further information.