SHOPPING - Bermuda 2012 - page 168

stores). At the Royal Naval Dockyard area on Ireland Island, you can visit the Craft
Market, Island Pottery, and the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard, where you'll see
local artisans at work.
What You Should Know
STORE HOURS
Stores in the City of Hamilton, St. George, and Somerset are generally open Monday
through Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm. When large liners are in port, stores may stay
open later, and are sometimes open on Sundays. For more information on the local
shopping scene, visit www.experiencebermuda.com/shopping .
FINDING AN ADDRESS
Some Front Street stores post numbers on their buildings; others don't. Sometimes
the number posted or used is the “historic” number of the building, which has noth-
ing to do with the modern number. You can always ask for directions, and most Ber-
mudians are willing to help. Outside the City of Hamilton, don't expect to find
numbers on buildings at all—or even street names in some cases.
SALES TAX & DUTY
There's no sales tax in Bermuda, but it's not a duty-free island. Depending on which
country you're returning to, you may have to pay duty. See “Customs,” in the “Fast
Facts” section of chapter 10, for details.
Note: Bermuda is covered by the U.S. law regarding “Generalized System of Pref-
erences” status. That means that if at least 35% of an item has been crafted in Ber-
muda, you can bring it back duty-free, regardless of how much you spent. If you've
gone beyond your $800 allotment, make a separate list of goods made in Bermuda.
This will make it easier for the customs officials (and for you).

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IN THE CITY OF HAMILTON
Between 7 and 10pm every Wednesday night, Hamilton Harbour Nights are
staged along Front Street in Bermuda's capital. Late-night shopping becomes a festi-
val, with street performers, horse-and-carriage rides, a variety of live entertainment,
and arts and crafts exhibitions. There's a food court and even children's activities.
Department Stores
Generations of Bermuda-bound visitors made Trimingham's and Smith's, headquar-
tered along Front Street, their first stops for shopping. Several years ago, these vener-
able department stores closed their doors. Although nothing will replace the loss of
these emporiums in the hearts of many locals, you can find some of the same type of
merchandise at Marks & Spencer, A. S. Cooper & Sons, and to a lesser degree,
Gibbons.
A. S. Cooper & Sons Traditionally, this place has been best known for its selec-
tion of crystal and porcelain, but in the wake of the collapse of Trimingham's and
Smith's, Cooper has beefed up its cosmetics, perfumes, and men's and women's
fashion selections as well. For more on A. S. Cooper, refer to “China & Glassware”
below. 59 Front St. & 441/295-3961. www.ascooper.bm.
Gibbons Sprawling and cost-efficient, Gibbons isn't the first choice for locals
looking for classy, upscale clothing and housewares, but it's a second-tier choice for
sundries, the necessities of housekeeping, and that shower curtain you know you