Calls for Post's online directory to be removed

A politician is calling for Guernsey Post's directory of online retailers to be taken down.

Deputy David de Lisle said during the sitting of Guernsey States on Thursday the postal company's RockShopper list - which promotes shopping off-island - was "undermining the Guernsey retail trade" and took business away from the local economy.

De Lisle has asked deputy Peter Roffey, the president of the States' trading and advisory board, to remove the website.

Guernsey Post said the directory was "not just targeted at off-island retailers, but importantly also provides an opportunity for local retailers to expand their online offerings and presence".

De Lisle said an initiative that promotes shopping off-island should not be supported by the government.

"I'm all for competition, but not unfair competition," he said.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said the RockShopper list was "innovative", and Guernsey Post should be "applauded for moving their business forward to meet the demands of the local community."

She said the demand for shopping off-island would always exist and continue to grow, but the initiative meant islanders no longer had to travel to shop.

Kazantseva-Miller said instead of fighting the initiative, local retailers should embrace "an opportunity to develop their unique selling points", such as same-day purchase, possibilities to try clothes on, and creating social environments.

Guernsey Post says it has "had no choice but to adapt its business model in response to the significant strategic challenges and opportunities that the digital era has created, with traditional postal volumes falling 50% in the past 10 years alone".

"Local retailers can access our specially discounted rates for on island postal deliveries, and provide a tailor-made alternative distribution channel, with the intention to absolutely encourage Guernsey residents to use their services."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].