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The Islands’ Partnership, supported by the Council of the Isles of Scilly’s Life Long Learning team, is to host an interactive Retail Workshop at Tregarthen’s Hotel. The aim of the workshop is to bring together Scilly’s retail owners and/or managers in order to enhance collectively our visitors’ shopping experience as well as help deliver greater financial returns for retail businesses themselves. This special evening, on Tuesday 2nd June, will be led by retail expert, Tammy Barclay, who has a strong pedigree as a buyer most recently for Rick Stein’s Deli & Gift Shop in Padstow. Retailers across Scilly, as well as businesses with a retail element, have been invited. "There will be two distinct sessions within the workshop – one focussing on buying; the other on selling – and each very interactive," says David Jackson, Executive Director, Islands' Partnership. "There will be additional opportunity for general Q&As and a discussion on the challenges faced by Scilly’s retailers, not just on St Mary’s but on the off islands too. Tammy will offer practical advice on product buying, creating a unique retail proposition, sourcing new stock, identifying good suppliers and taking risks, as well as looking at display principles and shop layouts, window displays, seasonal ranges, refreshing ranges and how to maximise sales of best-selling lines," he explains. The IP is hoping to build on the success and goodwill of the Scilly Christmas festival which brought retailers together offering a fantastic experience for visitors and locals alike. "We’d like to harness that enthusiasm for the entire season and beyond," says David. "Together we believe retailers can be a stronger force and by sharing new ideas and best practices everyone has the potential to maximise their sales and profitability for the coming season. We hope everyone who signs up will enjoy a day of retail inspiration." Attendance for the day’s training is just £25 for Islands’ Partnership members per person (standard rate is £40). Anyone interested in signing up should contact the IP by calling 01720 424036 or emailing [email protected]. Booking closes on 8th May.