GST reclaim a 'stepping stone' to luring visitors

Jersey shops are being encouraged to sign up to a scheme allowing international visitors to claim back Goods and Services Tax (GST) on purchases.

Digitalised self-service kiosks have been installed at the harbour and airport for visitors to submit receipts and claim £4 in GST for every £100 spent.

The government is working with tax refund firm Global Blue on its Tax Free Shopping scheme in a bid to boost Jersey as a retail destination.

Simon Youden, the director of fashion outlet de Gruchy, which is taking part in the scheme, said he believed it would help boost sales and part of a "stepping stone to the wider picture" of increasing visitation.

Derrick Hardman, regional chief operating officer for Global Blue, said a handful of shops had signed up to the scheme but more had expressed an interest.

Earlier this month, the threshold on how much visitors have to spend to claim back GST decreased from £250 to £100 on purchases from the same retailer on the same day.

Mr Youden said customers had spent more as a result of the scheme.

"[If customers spend £90] it's a way of the sales colleague to introduce just an extra £10 and they get a little bit of money back," he said.

Eligible goods include fashion and accessories, cosmetics, watches and jewellery and leather goods.

To qualify, shoppers must present their passport and depart Jersey within 31 days of purchase.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].