fsunoles80

Don't be fooled by the common myth that you can purchase items tax/duty free in the Caribbean for less. There are numerous items that can be purchased in the US at authorized retailers for much less. For an example: I purchased a Tag watch at Harry Edwards Jewelers. Where they guaranteed me these were the cheapest prices compared to the US without including tax even, this was not the case. I found the watch at a "major" US retailer for $200 less than what I paid at Harry Edwards even if you include tax on the watch. Oh - dont try to contact them about price matching because they tell you that if you paid too much that it is your on fault and no one price matches. They apparantly are not in the same operating standards as much of the US.

doug_stallings

I'm sorry you didn't find a watch at the price you wanted to pay, but this situation is actually fairly common. Because of deep discounting in the U.S. as well as exchange-rate issues, it is often cheaper to buy things in the U.S. than at so-called "duty-free" shops. You'll find really good buys on tobacco and liquor almost everywhere, but jewelry and watches are only sometimes cheaper in the Caribbean (this isn't limited to St. Lucia or to this particular retailer).

Even clothing, which you'd think would be cheaper in Europe where it's made is often cheaper in the U.S., so you don't always get good buys on designer clothing either. You do need to know what you are investing in.

Finally, price matches in duty-free shops are not really that common, though I think there are a few places that offer them. The burden of making sure the price is good really falls on the buyer. To the best of my knowledge, Harry Edwards doesn't make this price-matching promise, but I can't speak about whether or not there is a sign in the stores. I just don't recall.

akl1107

You're right, Harry Edwards does not price match.

I had a similar experience with Harry Edwards. I was looking at a watch there as well and was told by the sales associate that the watch would be a "standard price" throughout the Caribbean. Foolishly enough, I took her word for it and purchased the watch there. I walked out of the store and went just a few stores down to Colombian Emeralds only to find the watch for $150 cheaper!!!! I was livid. Unfortunately, Harry Edwards did not want to price-match. Don't waste your time with Harry Edwards.
Shop around!!!

babyboy

Well I am heading to Coconut Bay in the south and don't intend on spending any money on Items I can easily get here. My concern is the location of Coconut Bay. It appear that it is far away from the local art galleries and main shopping areas. Does anyone know how to get locally made gift items from the south end of St Lucia? Please no item sayng made in China, I see enough of that here.

doug_stallings

There are some smaller villages that specialize in arts and crafts, and most of them are on the southwestern end of the island. But I'm sure vendors will set up at the resort since it's the only one in the immediate vicinity. I would certainly recommend that you take a tour or rent a car and explore the island a bit. It would be a shame to spend all your time at Coconut Bay. I'd especially think you'd want to explore some of the beaches on the west side of the island.