Keep the cash registers ringing

FRIDAY, NOV. 23: On the heels of this morning’s Black Friday sales, retailers are hoping to keep the cash registers ringing with eMonday.

A total of 25 etailers are officially taking part in the Cyber Monday sale on the Government web site but other businesses are also joining in the fray.

Some of the businesses taking part include: Easy Park, Bermuda Linens & Gifts, Coffeeworks, Surprise, Fantasea, Brown & Co, Red Laser, The Bookmart, Gibbons Company and Northrock Communications.

Sample deals include 10 per cent off at The Bookmart, zero top up fees for Easy Park (and 30 per cent off devices) or 10 per cent off prices at Bermuda Linens & Gifts.

Wendy King, co-owner of furnishings store JW Season with her husband Joseph, said eMonday has proven successful in the past in helping drive business to their shop.

Mrs King said: “We’ve participated since its inception and we’re definitely an e-friendly type store. We wanted to get Bermudians to feel more comfortable in buying online.

“We found there was a bit of apprehension initially when we started our business four years ago. We have found that our sales have increased on that particular day.”

She said JW Season (www.jwseason.bm) fully backs the eMonday initiative as a way to get Bermudians to shop online at Bermuda-based companies.

Razors & Diapers (razorsanddiapers.com) is offering 25 per cent off of items purchased on eMonday.

Co-owner Pete Saunders said: “This is a great opportunity. Americans do it and Bermudians leave to go to America for Black Friday so this is a good opportunity for local retailers to build awareness about their own products and services, especially the climate we’re operating in right now.

“This is an opportunity to boost sales a bit.

“For me it’s about the exposure and getting the name Razors & Diapers out there and what sort of products are available.”

He said the business is primarily aimed at dads but it has plenty of items for moms to purchase for their children so the whole family can benefit.

Mr Saunders said this was the second time he was taking part in eMonday.

“There were some sales and responses as a result of the promotion. Maybe because it was my first time I was expecting a bit more, but I did benefit from it, which is another reason why I am doing it again.

Belcario Thomas, product manager for Four Star Pizza, said his business is participating in Cyber Monday.

“This is the first time we’re taking part in Cyber Monday. We’re offering 20 per cent off on all food and beverages ordered online at www.fourstar.bm.

“It’s a new website and a lot of people haven’t seen how convenient it is to order from their smartphone or iPad. They can avoid the inconvenience of calling in and having a conversation.”

He said this will also encourage people to sign up to become a Four Star e-mail club member, which will have special deals for those who are part of the club.