Shopping Bargains St. Maarten/St. Thomas?

[bogino]

I was just getting ready to buy a somewhat pricey EBEL watch. Then I remembered reading about the shopping on these islands. I'm going on the 04/06 cruise which is just around the corner. Is the "savings" on something like the watch I'm thinking of buying really that significant or would I be just as well buying it here at home? Also--Is the jewelry shopping any better between St. Maarten or St. Thomas or both about the same. Thx.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

You can <b><i>often</i></b> get better prices on jewelry at St Maarten, but you have to know what things are worth and be able to bargain the salesmen down from their artificially high sticker prices. Since you're looking for something specific and know how much it would cost you back home, the odds are you can look and decide just how good a deal it is.

 

[mom2grace]

We found the prices to be much better in St. Maarten, than St. Thomas. In St. Maarten, be prepared to bargain and "shop around".

We bought a Canon 35 MM camera for about 1/3 to 1/2 less than here. But, it is CRUCIAL to know your prices!! Some things were significantly more (like Merrill hiking shoes).

There is a huge selection of perfumes (all makes) and Clinique and Estee Lauder products. Just know what you are looking for!

You will have a great time and it would be fun to get to wear a new watch!!

Susan

 

[gobbi45]

There are not very many stores who carry EBEL watches. But , wherever you find them, and if you decide to buy one, make sure it comes with the proper registration (paperwork) and warranty.
You should def do your price search before the cruise.

 

[DISPOP]

We bought a watch in St. Thomas 3 years ago. Just as the other posters suggested we shopped around here in the states before travelling so knew if we were really getting a bargain.
There are good deals to be had as long as you do your homework.
Good Luck!

 

[Nana Sue]

You need to be careful when shopping in St. Martin. Not all stores are reputable. I have a friend who bought a diamond in St. Martin. When she got it home she had it appraised and found it was not the grade, color, etc. they claimed. When she called them about it they refused to do anything.
There are two excellent jewelry stores in St. Martin that I have been dealing with for years. One is Touch of Gold and the other is Touch of Silver. They are owned by the same family. Your Disney Cruise director will not mention them because these stores do not pay the pay off cruise ships require to be recognized. That's all just a big scam. They would rather pass the savings on to their customers. I can tell you though, these two store are as reputable as they come. They also have a store in Aruba with service centers in the US. They stand behind everything they sell. Last year I bought an omega in Aruba and was having trouble with the clasp. This year I took it to St. Martin, showed it to them and they traded it for a new one. You should do your homework before you go and then bargain with them. Not only do you get good prices but no tax! They also have a web site: www.atouchofgold.com.

 

[plutojudy]

Nana Sue, Where are Touch of Gold and Touch of Silver located on St Martin and how do I get there? Thanks!

 

[Nana Sue]

There is a long street in Philipsburg (Front Street) where most of the stores and shops are located. The cruise ship comes in at a special terminal location but you can take a water taxi from there to the Front Street area. When you get off of the water taxi walk straight up that street and it will run into Front Street. It's the main street that runs parallel to the water and you're sure to see it. You can walk to Front Street from the terminal if you'd like, it's probably about 3/4 to one mile. Touch of Gold and Touch of Silver are both located on Front Street. Touch of Gold is 41 Front Street and I believe Touch of Silver is 86 Front Street. Happy Shopping!

 

[plutojudy]

Thanks Nana Sue.
Plutojudy