As The Harbour Master marks 30 years in business, owner Sheilagh Robertson said it?s important for businesses to focus on what they do best.

Ms Robertson opened the leather goods store on March 24, 1975 in the Washington Mall in Hamilton and the business has flourished despite the volatile state of the retail industry.

?This is a small business but we have grown quite nicely I think,? she said. ?We were one of the first businesses to open in the Washington Mall and we are one the rare birds still around with the original ownership.

?The Mall is the best location in the city with a convenient location close to the bus terminal and the Washington Lane.?

Ms Robertson said Harbour Master?s clientele is predominantly local and they have kept the business going, as they have very loyal customers.

?I have continued to run the store myself for 30 years and I have been very fortunate in having good staff, most of whom have been with me for quiet a long time,? she said.

Harbour Master has retained its original line of goods from Colombia, in particular the Land line, and offers luggage, handbags, backpacks, brief cases, wallets, gift items, jewellery boxes, passport cases and other accessories.

?When we first opened the business there was nothing like this in Bermuda. You could either buy fairly expensive designer name items at Trimingham?s or Smith?s or you could buy very inexpensive souvenir things with a Bermuda stamp.

?There wasn?t much in between so we looked to find a good line of products targeted in the middle, good value for money, reliable and high quality products to stand the test of time and not be ridiculously expensive.?

Ms Robertson said 30 years ago luggage did not have any wheels and now luggage has transitioned to having four wheels and pull up handles.

?It is interesting to see how product innovations come on the market to make other types of designs obsolete, so certain types of bags sold 30 years ago wouldn?t sell now because technology has changed,? she said.

?We have made a real effort to give good service, we do gift wrapping, monogramming and if people ask for an item we don?t have in stock we will try to get it for them.

?Personal service is what we try to offer.?