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Submission 17 - Bambola Dear Deputy Kirsten Morel
We would like to share our views with you from a retail perspective on the upcoming scrutiny review. We believe the main issues the retail sector is facing relates to parking, access to St Helier and the online threat to retail, including the GST deminimus.
Parking
Regularly, two out of the three long stay car parks are full before 9am. Pier road is under- utilised and the only one which regularly has a high number of free spaces. Would it be possible to incentivise individuals to park in Pier Road above Patriotic and Green Street? For example, 1st hour parking free, or 1 unit for 2 hours parking etc.
The loss of on street parking to residents parking close to retail outlets also provides a negative experience for shoppers. We believe that having shorter time allocations to on street parking, from 1 hour to 20 minutes, would encourage shoppers to shop or collect items in the stores closest to the parking. This would free up the spaces more regularly and ensure that those using the on street parking are staying in the area rather than using the space which doesn't offer others a chance.
The taxi ranks on Library Place appear under-utilised during the day, this would be suitable as short stay spaces during the day and can be used as a taxi rank in the evenings when there is more demand. Introducing 20 minute spaces would encourage people to make higher purchases as they would not have to carry it a long distance and also provide the option to collect a previous purchase without having to use unloading bays.
We have heard multiple customers and members of the public complain about the lack of parking spaces or accessibility to parking spaces.
Ultimately, a motorist becomes a shopper.
Access to St Helier
There is unnecessary congestion in the town centre due to people searching for available parking spaces. There is a noticeable pinch point' at the crossing by liberation square towards the bus station. This could be resolved with a puffin or pelican crossing rather than a zebra crossing. Currently this crossing is a grey area to motorists, this could make it clearer for both motorists and pedestrians and reduce congestion through Hill Street and Halkett Street.
Online Threat
One of the main reason online shopping is such a threat to Jersey retailers is the uneven playing field with regards to the GST deminimus. The current legislation encourages people to shop online and avoid a purchase tax. In our own stores, less than 1% of our products would retail for over £240 which is the current deminimus level.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to our views. Yours sincerely,
John Testori Bambola