The president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is urging local shoppers to remember stores in the East and West while making holiday purchases.

“It is extremely important for Bermudians to shop locally this Christmas,” said restaurateur Marico Thomas.

“There are amazing products and prices in Bermuda, specifically curated for local’s discerning tastes. This includes visiting both St George’s, Dockyard and Sandys, which are open to service with new stores and unique items.”

People seem to be taking his advice to heart.

St George business owners have reported steady business this holiday season, with several new amenities now open in the Old Towne.

Roberta Munden, the owner of clothing store Boho Couture on King’s Square said: “We have had a few quiet days.

“However, St George is having a resurgence with the new Moongate Brewery that opened on December 6 and the English Market that opened in November.”

Kelli Thompson, the owner of Saltwater Jewellery and Designs on Water Street, also described the pace as “steady”.

“My top selling items have been my South Shore Collection and my Venetian teardrop pendants,” she said.

However, she said business could always be better.

She said the annual Bermuda National Trust Walkabout held in early December had flooded St George with hundreds of people looking for holiday fun and shopping.

However, Ms Thompson lamented that people tend to forget about the Old Towne, after the event.

Ms Munden, who opened six months ago, said the Walkabout was a great success for her.

“We have new clients from that night who discovered us in St George,” she said.

Heather Kromer, of the Dragon’s Lair Art Gallery on Water Street, said this year’s Walkabout was their best in five years.

“That is probably, at least in part, due to our having moved up from Somers Wharf in April,” she said.

They felt isolated where they were and had been looking to move for some time. The new space has high foot traffic and is brighter and airier. It is a collective, representing several different artists.

“Sales have gone up 50 per cent since we moved here,” said artist Ian Birch, who produces cedar products for the store.

Ms Kromer said their Christmas sales had been great.

“We have had several very good days since the Walkabout and are seeing a definite difference in what is being purchased,” she said.

They are seeing mostly local shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

“We have had a good year, overall, and are looking forward with great optimism to 2025,” Ms Kromer said.

Ms Munden anticipated January and February would be slow in the East End but was feeling hopeful about next year.

“It will be a great year,” she said. “More locals will be coming to shop, with hotel visitors and many cruise ships expected in port.”

Ms Munden was particularly excited about the coming year because she will be launching her own clothing designs under her own label, Boho Couture.

“They will be designed here in Bermuda and manufactured in Italy to compliment our current collections and lots of new and exciting products to come,” she said.

“It has been a great six months for us and we are thrilled to be part of the community both in St George and the entire island.”