Radisson Seven Seas....

BERMUDA BARGAINS
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR SHOPPERS IN SEARCH
OF THE PERFECT SOUVENIR

While no man (or woman) may be an island, an island can be all a man or woman needs when it comes to shopping. That’s especially true if that island is Bermuda.

From the city streets of Hamilton and St. George’s to the rest of the 21-mile-long island, Bermuda offers only the best in shopping. Thanks to a wide range of unique high-quality options, a lack of sales tax ($400 duty-free), and friendly and personal service, shopping in Bermuda can definitely be a rewarding experience to those in the know. Whether you’re searching for fine china or crystal, jewelry, perfumes, quality linen, arts and crafts, or simply a perfect souvenir, the shops of Bermuda are sure to oblige.

BERMUDA SPECIALTIES

Thanks to its unique location, culture, and long history, Bermuda has developed many special shopping choices over the years. One or more might just make for a perfect personal memory or gift.

When it comes to savoring the flavor of Bermuda long after you've returned, it’s hard to beat Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Bermuda-based Gosling Brothers Ltd. first imported barrels of Caribbean rum into Bermuda back in 1860. Many different blends were tried until one was deemed perfect. This aged and very dark rum was called “Old Rum” and was sold only in draught form for the first 50 years of production.

Gosling’s Rum was sold only out of the barrel until World War I, when Gosling Brothers first started filling champagne bottles that had been recycled from a British Officer’s mess. The corks were sealed with black wax and eventually led to today’s name of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. The rum is still created from the original family recipe of a blend of three-year-old rums and makes for an ideal (and tasty) Bermuda memory.

Other tasty treats from Bermuda include Mrs. Horton’s Black Rum Cakes, Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers, Bermuda honey, and Barritt’s Ginger Beer. Available in original and chocolate, the light and moist Black Rum Cakes are created in a tiny bakery and are available in stores throughout the island. The Outerbridge’s line includes original recipe condiments, soups, and more, with the Sherry Peppers ideal for spicing up famed Bermuda fish chowder and more. Found at Honey House in Bailey’s Bay and other shops, Bermuda honey is sinfully delicious. The Ginger Beer is a unique blend of ginger roots from the Caribbean and Africa that’s been enjoyed on Bermuda for 125 years!

Both Bermuda Perfumery and Royall Lyme manufacture scented products that will linger long after you return home. Bermuda Perfumery produces a wide assortment of fragrances and they even conduct regularly scheduled tours of their facility and gardens. Royall Lyme specializes in naturally based scents for men, including Royall Lyme, Royall Spyce, Royall Bay Rum, and Royall Musk.

For visitors looking for something truly unique, the Bermuda cedar is indigenous to the island and was used by the early settlers and their descendants to create stunning furniture and more. Almost destroyed by parasites in the mid-1940s, the cedar is now Bermuda’s national tree and the island’s cedar carvers (and their wares) are as cherished as the wood. Works by Carlton Butler and Duvall Spence are particularly popular.

HAMILTON

Thanks to a large variety of stores within easy walking distance, it's hard to beat the convenience of Hamilton shopping. Historically, the port city of has always offered some of the finest shopping in the world. Bustling Front Street is filled with world-class shops, but Hamilton’s many side streets can be fertile ground for savvy shoppers.

Many British chain stores have branches in Bermuda. Department stores that are ‘must stops’ on any shopper’s list include Trimingham Brother’s, H.A. & E. Smith’s, Marks & Spencer, and A.S. Cooper & Sons.

Incredibly, Trimingham’s has been a Bermuda fixture since 1842. Brand-name merchandise is often available at great savings compared to U.S. prices and Trimingham’s is a great place to shop for famed Daks Bermuda shorts. Founded in 1889, H.A. & E. Smith’s also offers popular Bermuda shorts and many other specialty items. Known as “Marks & Sparks” to everyone in Bermuda and Britain, this large branch of a British icon is famous for quality goods at reasonable prices (and a great food hall!). A.S. Cooper & Sons was founded back in 1897 offers fine jewelry, fragrances, clothing, a popular “Bermuda Shop,” and much more.

For jewelry, the Hamilton options abound. Be sure to visit Front Street’s Astwood Dickinson, which has been around sine 1904 and represents virtually every famous name in jewelry. Prices are often up to 35% less than in the U.S. and Astwood Dickinson’s workshop also produces the unique Bermuda Collection of gold jewelry. Also on Front Street, Walker Christopher offers classic to contemporary designs, as well as individually designed pieces and a special line of island-inspired gold jewelry and sterling silver Christmas ornaments. Finally, Crissons Jewelry has two Front Street locations and many other shops on the island, including one in St. George’s.

When it comes to china and crystal, two more Front Street establishments await the arrival of smart shoppers. Bluck’s has been in business more than 150 years and is the only shop on the island devoted exclusively to china and crystal. Vera P. Card has an extensive collection of Swardovski and Lladro, as well one of the world’s largest collections of Hummel figurines.

Two other specialty shops in Hamilton are definitely worth a stop. Bermuda Handicrafts in the Walker Arcade features original Bermuda ceramics, linens, and more, making for fun and stylish possibilities only found on Bermuda. Bookworms will love The Bermuda Book Store, which was recently renovated and features lots of great books about Bermuda and beyonds.

ST. GEORGE’S & FURTHER AFIELD

The quaint port town of St. George’s is less busy than Hamilton, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great shopping opportunities, and its winding streets present plenty of options.

Trimingham’s, A.S. Cooper, Bluck’s, and Crissons Jewelry all have branches in St. George’s, as do many of the ‘chain’ stores also found in Hamilton or in resorts around the island. The smaller size of many of the stores will make for an even more personal Bermuda shopping experience.

There are also several unique shops found only in St. George’s. These include: Constable’s Woolen Fashions (travel blankets are a hot item); Cooper’s Frangipani (island fashions and accessories); Cow Polly (hand-painted clothing and attractive accessories from around the world); and Bridge House Gallery (an art gallery partly located in an 18th-century residence).

For night owls, Hamilton's Harbour Nights and St. George's Market Nights offer late-night shopping, street vendors, entertainment, food, and more.  Generally running from spring to fall, these special shopping nights are on Tuesdays in St. George's and Wednesdays in Hamilton.

Along with Hamilton and St. George’s, the rest of Bermuda has many great shopping stops. In addition to shops in resorts throughout the island, those who venture out to Royal Naval Dockyard will find a wide range of additional options.

A TASTE OF BERMUDA

Dark ‘n Stormy Recipe

Put ice cubes in a highball glass, add 1.5 oz. of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, and top with Barritt’s Ginger Beer. Squeeze a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and then use as a garnish.