The Office of Commerce of the Consell de Formentera reports that during the month of November the exams were held to obtain the craft card (carta d'artesania). Ten people applied to obtain the card for jewelry, costume jewelry, trimmings, fabric, weaving, leather, leather bags, sewing and object decoration, and another will try to obtain the title of master artisan of jewellery.

Ana Juan, president and commerce councillor, asserted, "We are working to add value to Formentera crafts" and recalled that this May six new craft cards were delivered when the accreditory exams returned after a five year hiatus. The president also highlighted "applicants' remarkable interest, which speaks to our artisans' drive to continue growing".

Applicants must pass an exam evaluated by the technical panel made up of managers of Consell de Formentera departments and master craftspeople. Examinees must demonstrate making their speciality product while members of the examining board observe the working methods and ask practical questions about  technique and production process.

At present, there are 68 card-holding artisans, eleven master artisans and four honourary master artisans on Formentera.

9 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Conchita Fátima Bittancourt has won last Friday's Black Friday Formentera. The contest took place last Friday and was co-presented by the Office of Commerce of the Consell de Formentera and the island's small- and medium-sized business group, Pimef. The winner, who got her Compra a Casa card in 2018, made her winning purchase at Avenida de la Mola Supermarket and has won a €50 gift card.

Further, "At Christmas, Buy Local" (Al Nadal, Compra a Casa), a push to reward islanders for doing their shopping at establishments based on Formentera, starts today and concludes 6 January. As part of this year's initiative, local shoppers who spend €20 at participating establishments are automatically entered to win a "Compra a Casa" gift card worth €500.

1 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Today Ana Juan, president and councillor of commerce of the Consell de Formentera, together with Lidia Álvarez, manager of Small- and Medium-sized Businesses of Formentera (Petita i Mitjana Empresa de Formentera, Pimef), and Lina Bustos, of the Eivissa-Formentera Chamber of Commerce (CCEF), presented Black Friday, a holiday buy-local push and a campaign to encourage festive shop window displays – three retail campaigns for Christmas.

President Juan said the aim of the campaigns is to encourage islanders to buy locally during the holidays, and underscored "the importance of strengthening a key sector in our productive fabric". She added that the administration was working with the sector on its recently launched plan to fortify local business "by improving service and boosting competitivity".

On Friday 25 November, the Consell and Pimef will promote "Black Friday on Formentera" as part of "Compra a Casa", a loyalty programme designed to boost sales in local establishments. All day long, participating shoppers who spend €15 or more at member businesses will be entered into a drawing for a €50 gift card. The winner will be announced on 29 November and can pick up their prize at the Pimef offices.

"A Nadal, compra a casa"
Also starting in the days ahead is "This Christmas, Buy Local" (A Nadal, compra a casa), which rewards islanders for shopping at participating stores between 1 December and 6 January. This year a €500 Compra a Casa gift card will be raffled among all participating shoppers who spend €20 or more.

Lidia Álvarez pointed out that, to date, 35 establishments have joined Compra a Casa, 3,118 loyalty cards have been delivered to participating shoppers and eligible purchases top €1,419,500. Álvarez underlined the card's popularity among Formentera merchants and shoppers.

Christmas Shop Display Contest
The CCEF and Consell de Formentera have also unveiled the 16th Christmas Shop Window Display Contest, designed to foster a festive Christmas atmosphere among local businesses. The registration period began on 21 November and ends on 12 December. Lina Bustos encouraged the island's businesses to take part in the contest, which last year had 15 participants. This year cash prizes will be increased to €200. The four award categories include Christmas décor, retail installation, originality and eco-creativity. Four winners will be announced 14 December and receive €200 each and a plaque of recognition.

For more information and to sign up, please contact the CCEF at 971 32 20 71 and the Citizen Information Office (Oficina d'Atenció a la Ciutadania, OAC).

23 November 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Office of Commerce is organising a pottery course for adults at Centre Antoni Tur 'Gabrielet' during the months of January, February and March. Interested parties can register from today until 23 December through the Virtual Citizen Information Office (OVAC) or in person at the Citizen Information Office (OAC).

Ana Juan, president and councillor of commerce, said the class workshop for "people who want to continue the pottery courses, as well as to acquire new knowledge in the different ways of making ceramics". "The administration continues to promote these types of continuing education opportunities for islanders in winter", said Juan.

Space is limited and classes can be held in the morning and afternoon. The course fee is €270, with a 30% discount for under-25s, retirees and people with disabilities.

23 November 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera