The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce’s retail chair says it’s business as normal after the Brexit deal was made between the UK and EU last week.

Andrew Corrie has overseen the functions of all the Co-op stores on the Isle of Man since 2008.

He said that the stock there, as well as for other retailers, has been normal since the announcement on Christmas Eve by Boris Johnson that a deal was made.

’The Brexit deal and resolutions on issues means that there’s no major problems for us,’ he said. ’We’re hoping for a "situation normal", or as normal as it can be, with no new issues. There should be no shortages of goods or price pressure directly linked to EU trade.’

’Having said that, the broader retail industry remains in a difficult position due to the impact of Covid and the continuing economic fallout. These pressures will continue to have an impact on supply chains and high street performance for those retailers in the "non-essential" category. The best way the Manx public can help is to continue to give high street retailers their custom, as they have done throughout 2020.’

Mr Corrie said that every £1 spent with a local shop is worth up to £1.83 to the Manx economy. Early indications from the Manx retail sector are that local retailers have enjoyed one of their most successful Christmases ever.

For traders, the Brexit deal outlines that there will be no extra charges on goods (tariffs), or limits on the amount that can be traded (quotas) between the UK and the EU from January 1.

However, there will be extra safety checks and customs declarations, so businesses will need to be prepared.

Mr Corrie said: ’Retailers are quick to adapt to changing circumstances. Whatever gets thrown our way, we’ll deal with it.’