Local retailers are hoping for a turnaround in their financial fortunes in the second half of this year.

President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and CEO of UNICOMER – Courts Barbados Limited, Trisha Tannis said the economy is very tough and retailers are experiencing a fall off consumer purchases.

But Ms.Tannis anticipates that the promised tax returns from government next month should lead to an improvement in sales.