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Guernsey Post’s moves to make it easier to shop online with UK companies has been branded as “irrational” by retail traders.
Last week, Post announced a new service that will allow customers to order from companies that do not ship to the island.
The Guernsey Retail Group is concerned by this new initiative.
"We are surprised and disappointed that any local business, especially a States' owned trading body, would openly encourage and facilitate Guernsey residents to directly order items from UK-based retailers, rather than focussing on the many benefits of utilising local companies," said GRG chair Jonathan Creasey.
"At a time when there is clear recognition of an urgent need to grow the local economy, we have to question the motives of this irrational attempt to persuade consumers to spend their money outside of the island.
Pictured: Guernsey Post announced the new scheme last week.
"Every pound spent with a local retailer equates to a significant benefit for our island in terms of the local economy and it helps maintain low levels of unemployment. Whereas, every pound spent off-island is gone forever.
"While their primary focus with this service is on supporting UK retailers, Guernsey Post has suggested that they would also be willing to allow adverts from local businesses offering a delivery service.
"However, we have serious concerns regarding the encouragement to use, and active promotion of UK companies and the clear consumer message that this communicates."
A recent survey conducted by the GRG showed desire and aspiration by many respondents to support local businesses wherever possible, he said, and the Guernsey Retail Group is focussed on future initiatives to help encourage a varied and appealing local retail sector.
"Clearly there is a societal benefit in a healthy, vibrant and resilient local retail provision and the associated improvement and appeal of our main town centre and other shopping/commerce hubs.
"It is critical that the island maintains the necessary breadth and variety of retail businesses to be certain that it will meet future needs and ensure islanders continue to have adequate consumer choice."
Guernsey Post's myUKaddress service launched last week. For a fee, items are delivered to an address in Portsmouth and then shipped to Guernsey from there.
It will also from next month promote an online directory called RockShopper, promoting UK stores that deduct VAT, have easy returns, ship for free or can use their myUKaddress scheme. This will also feature some local retailers.
Guernsey Post moves to make online shopping easier with two new services
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