Merch Launches Little + Local Campaign
St George’s-based concept store Merch has launched their little + local campaign “to remind the public that shopping on island and at small, independent businesses can have a huge impact on the local economy.”
A spokesperson stated “When Merch first launched at the end of 2017, we hoped to encourage a bit of a renaissance in the Town of St George’s which was a little overlooked at the time as a lot of economic activity was focused on the West End of the island and Dockyard because of the America’s Cup. We wanted to highlight the east as well as local brands and designers we felt were doing incredible things but were not featured anywhere on the island.
“So local has always been a big part of our mandate: to promote Bermuda and its people.”
“Shortly after the launch the store was featured in Elle Décor magazine and has since appeared in several visitors’ guides and publications.
“One of the first brands they approached was Art Pays Me by Bermudian graphic designer Duane Jones. We came across Duane’s designs in an article in The Royal Gazette and couldn’t believe that he wasn’t selling his products in Bermuda. After Jones, they reached out to other local vendors who at that time mainly sold online or via various pop-up markets.
“Because of their location Merch launched with an ecommerce platform allowing customers to shop online and which helped to expose some of the local brands they carried to a wider international audience.
“Two of the newest local brands they currently offer in store and online are Enzuri Beauty, a high-end skincare line developed by Kisha Tyrrell, and Bermuda-centric designs from La Petite Soirée.
“When Kisha first approached us, we were incredibly impressed by the amount of effort she had put into developing the products that make up Enzuri Beauty. She worked with overseas laboratories and manufacturers to develop a skincare line of the highest quality, and which is showcased by superior packaging. We also love that Kisha has a mandate to give back to the local community and proceeds of the sale of every Luxury Travel Set are used to donate these items to persons at the Center Against Abuse.
“The family of La Petite Soirée’s Niamah Denbrook Cann hails from the East End of the island and her products were felt to be a natural fit. Because of our location, we get a lot of visitors popping into the store and many of them want beautifully designed, quality mementos of their trip. Niamah always has such wonderful ideas, her latest being a beautifully bound Bermuda Planner that is not restricted by year.
“Merch hopes the little + local campaign will take hold over the holiday period and will become a legacy thereafter.
“There are so many wonderful, independent stores in Bermuda – several in the East End of the island but also dotted throughout – that are doing amazing things and we hope both residents and visitors will seek us out. We know you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find. We hope you will join our campaign and support the island.
“Merch is located on the ground floor of Stiles House in the Bank of Butterfield building, St George’s. More information on the store and the brands they carry can be found on their website.”
Wishing you all great success and profits.