Three weeks on from its launch, it appears that shopiom.com (www.shopiom.com), the new Isle of Man-specific online shopping directory, is a hit.
To date, nearly 3,500 unique visitors have logged on to the site, and figures suggest that the majority of these have been as a direct result of promotional work.
A special promotion team has been handing out leaflets every Saturday around the Island, immediately after which site visits dramatically increase.
Site visitors peaked after an outside broadcast by Manx Radio on Saturday 19th September.
‘Radio Cafe’ was broadcast from Strand Street, Douglas, with members of the public being given gifts and the chance to enter a competition to win prizes including vouchers from En Fin, the Bridal House, Pomegranate, Fairtrade and Jewellery and Ramsey Art Gallery.
In addition, online promotion has resulted in visitors clicking through from other websites – particularly Isle of Man Today.
The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) is responsible for the Isle of Man retail sector development.
The Minister for Trade and Industry, David Cretney MHK, said, "The purpose of the site is to support independent Manx retailers by giving them an opportunity to get online, to give local consumers the best choice locally, and so maximise the benefits enjoyed locally by keeping revenues, jobs and taxes on the Island.
"Therefore I am delighted that it has got off to such a good start.
"Our job now is to ensure that people get into the habit of visiting the site and supporting the local independent retailers who are on it.
"We have a lot of ideas for attracting people to the site, not only Manx residents but also people overseas who want to use the site to buy gifts for friends and relatives living here.
"As we get into the crucial pre-Christmas period, we think that will be an extremely useful service."
The site was launched on 1st September, and promotional work started on 5th September.
The majority of visitors to shopiom.com have been from the Isle of Man, but others were from the UK, the USA, Germany, Ireland, Jersey, France, Canada and Brazil.
Many Island companies have increased already sales through shopiom.com.
Bella Quilliam, who runs Dress Vintage in Peel, commented, "I have found the site very useful so far and it has already helped to increase my revenue.
"I thought that we would be receiving business from the Isle of Man, but I was surprised when I started getting sales in from the United Kingdom and even France!
So far, more than forty retailers have joined shopiom.com. Amongst those which have have increased sales as a result are Isle Gallery, Fairtrade and Jewellery, The Mill Shop, Soo Cards, Horse and Rider, Butlers Choice and Pomegranate.
So far, more than forty retailers have joined the shopping website, which enables shoppers to browse by category or geographical location, and to click through to shop websites.
Pictured (l-r): Adrian Moore (DTI), Lisa Underwood (DTI), Alex Brindley (Manx Radio), Ashlea Tracey (Manx Radio) and shopiom.com promotion girls.
