their goods, they reported yesterday.

The news supports Government studies that indicate a 2.3 percent rise, adjusted for inflation, for retail spending in February.

Local sales personnel said they had noticed the visitor-to-local purchasing ratio was levelling as visitors had made the most purchases in luxury stores in the past.

And merchants said they had noticed that Bermudians of all ages, while spending more money for higher quality merchandise, were spending more money smarter.

A saleswoman said: "The quality is attracting people of all ages; it goes past your typical bias. Everyone is spending smarter.'' Staff noted that much of the high-quality merchandise available in Bermuda was not available in the US and, if it was, Bermuda's prices were highly competitive and, in some cases, lower.

For example, any Citizen brand watch sold on the Island costs 35 percent less than in the US.

Higher-priced merchandise was often not available other places. In Louis Vuitton's case, one would have to travel to Europe for competitive pricing.

"If they don't have the money this week, they have it the next because they go out and work and save,'' said a Louis Vuitton saleswoman in reference to local shoppers.

"Bermudians are hard-working,'' she added.

Raymond Ming of Aston & Gunn noted: "Bermudians don't like to look shabby.

This is a quality store and Bermudians are quality.

"It's just like the cars -- Bermudians like quality.'' A saleswoman from Astwood Dickinson told The Royal Gazette that Bermudians were starting to use lay-away plans more.

"We're starting to see more people understand what's involved in affording and owning high-quality goods.

"Bermudians will spend if they know its a quality piece.'' The saleswoman detailed several jewellery pieces on display that `sold themselves' including items in the Tiffany collection.

"Bermudians are good quality people looking for quality merchandise,'' said a Crisson's saleswoman.

She said customers with an in-depth understanding of merchandise would often make an informed and well-thought-out decision -- that usually involved a purchase.

A Trimingham's manager related a story about a young Bermudian couple who was purchasing an engagement ring.

The couple entered the store with some currency in cash and some in a savings account and used a lay-away plan to buy a very high-quality ring.

The salesperson said it showed how hard people work here.

"They don't come in to deal -- try to barter a lower price like some tourists. They come in, see the price and save up.'' But not all high-quality merchants are enjoying the Bermudian buy-out.

A perfume saleswoman said she had not seen a high increase in Bermudian customers but did say that visiting customers were down from last year.