www.shopiom.com is an online directory of independent Manx retailers. The site is part of an initiative by the Isle of Man Government to give the island’s independent retailers access to e-commerce opportunities. It also helps shoppers to find a wide range of exciting products by product category or geographical location.
So far more than 40 retailers have joined shopiom. Businesses are able to set up their own website via the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) assistance scheme and also have a listing on the directory. Retailers who already have an e-commerce website are also offered a free listing on the directory. It is envisaged that the directory will become a one-stop reference point for online shopping on the Isle of Man.
The Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon David Cretney MHK, said: “We recognise the importance of supporting the island's independent retail sector. Retailers not only provide a varied and interesting shopping experience, which is a core part of any community. They are also an important part of the economy, providing jobs and paying taxes within the island.
Business is increasingly moving online and, if the retail sector is to remain competitive, it is essential that firms of all sizes are able to become established online. The interest from established local retailers exceeded our initial expectations and continues to grow. Also the scheme has enabled a number of small business start ups and home working entrepreneurs to realise their dreams of starting a retail business. I hope that many consumers will use the directory as a starting point for their online shopping. In short, this initiative is good for Isle of Man retailers, shoppers and Government and I wish it every success.”
The software for the individual websites and www.shopiom.com has been built by Venda (www.venda.com), a UK company which has built websites for hundreds of firms both large and small including Romani Jewellery and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant.
Venda’s chairman, Dan Wagner, believes that other islands and regions can learn from www.shopiom.com. Mr Wagner said: “Venda is proud to be part of the Isle of Man retail initiative. The www.shopiom.com site is an excellent showcase for the high quality products available from the retailers on the island. The retailers and the Department of Trade and Industry have created an innovative and pioneering initiative that shows other regions how powerful online trading can be for independent retail.”
Soo Cards, one of the first Manx firms to use the service, could not have achieved the growth they have without Shopiom, according to Director Sue Ellis.
“We had been planning to take Soo Cards online this year, so the DTI and Venda initiative came along at just the right time for us,” Mrs Ellis said. “The combination of the online shop and the Shopiom portal has had a major impact on our business, with orders now coming from the UK and Europe, as well as the Isle of Man. The support from both the DTI and Venda has been excellent, and has helped make the project a real success.”
