REGIONAL RETAILERS of building and construction supplies are seeing a slight drop in sales as a result of the rising cost of living.

ACE Corporation business manager for Latin America and the Caribbean Julio Martinez told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY that "everyone is tightening their belts" in an effort to reduce spending.

To this end, he said, corporate sales were down five per cent for the year.

"People are being more careful and conservative in their remodelling and construction," he said, adding that retrofits were also being affected.

Martinez said ACE was trying to keep pricing fair and would be shortening the supply chain where possible.

He was speaking to BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY following the launch of the Dacosta Mannings ACE Hardware branch at Warrens.

Dacosta Mannings Retail Director Paul Rowe said attempts would be made to ship from China directly to the Caribbean or to Florida in an effort to eliminate some freighting and shipping costs.

Rowe noted that the Warrens branch would be the pilot location for the partnership with ACE, which was one of the world's largest retailers of hardware supplies.

He said the alliance had resulted in an improved store plan that made shopping easier since related products were adjacent to each other and clear signage had been posted.

Furthermore, Rowe said, it was "a blessing" to be able to order from one vendor since it would be easier to reconcile accounts. He said the partnership also gave Dacosta Mannings the flexibility to choose products that would do well in the local environment.

Martinez noted that although the coalition was a tremendous undertaking, the transition had been seamless. (NB)