Licensing of the vendors plaza shopkeepers = gov't fees? Does that = passthrough to consumers in higher prices?

Prices in Vendor's Plaza are already higher than NY and other big East Coast cities for knock-offs. Who is their target market? I suspect it is middle America - cruise folks....people who don't get to the East Coast to know that prices are lower and QUALITY is better stateside. Prada labels shouldn't be tilted sideways, etc.

I'd rather see good bargains on Kosta Boda, Gucci, lace (Mr Tablecloth), Limoges, etc... Is the market still catering to the high-end shopper?

Or, is STT going down-market to the person who is looking for a deal on a $10 T shirt?

Blu,
Not 100%sure on where you are going with your last post. When tourism started here, it was only the wealthy that could afford to come, let alone purchase. That market has changed extremely! Now your average person can afford to come and yes, are looking for a deal, usually a cheep deal. Therefore we have the best of both worlds.
The days of the yacht owner coming in with the bag of cash and buying thousands of dollars of jewelry are getting more and more non existent! Tho can still happen! What do you think, there are alot of 4 for $10 t-shirt marketers out there! I think there needs to be things that everyone can afford- am I wrong?
I do believe you that the knock offs are more than likely much higher than NY as I have priced some and couldn't believe the asking price.....not affordable to me, that is for sure! But then, I can't afford the real thing either! (not that I am interested, I have never been one for designer names). 🙂
Sounds like STT has some serious cleaning up to do!
MS11, you are right- I hear alot of cruise ship people saying they made their purchases in St. Maarten, tho I hear most of them say that STT is much nicer, prettier and cleaner!!!! 🙂
RonUSVI- Nice to hear they are doing something about the barkers, but will it accomplish anything? Quite honestly I despise them the most in my Main St. walk thru's! To me that is unpleasant!
From what I know, all stores pay a 4% import fee- all of us do now- this was passed recently and all store also pay a 4% tax on their income also. This is after they make $5000 a week, not sure I can't quite remember and my honey is not here to answer that question for me! Of course these expenses will be passed on. We still are less expensive on items purchased tho and that is good!

Blu, the govt fees are a pittance - $250/year. I think their prices for the knock-off bags are higher, because they're buying them from the same suppliers you may have seen on the East Coast, and they have to mark them up in order to make money on them. Yes, their market is middle America who can't get them easily in their hometown.

You should visit http://www.cruisecritic.com sometimes. The most often asked question regarding shopping is where can they get the knock-off bags. It's extremely difficult nowadays to get a "good deal" on any licensed product, because they require consistent pricing for all distributors. The Coach prices here are the same you'll pay anywhere else, except here you save on sales taxes.

If you go to cruisecritic now, there's a posting on jewelry shopping. A group of ladies bought several thousands of dollars worth of diamonds in St Maarten, because they got a good deal. Almost every jewelry questioner is recommended to buy in St Maarten.

I think even Yacht Haven is having trouble attracting high-end shops. So far, they've got Chico's, Tommy Bahama, Luis Vuitton, and a few others. You can now get that stuff anywhere, so what's the incentive to buy here?

But back to Vendors' Plaza - I think they should move them to the old AT&T building/lot in Havensight. That's another eyesore, and a waste of prime real estate. With uniform tents and a few trees, it'll look better than it does now.

I hear that Royal Caribbean(the store) is opening a store in Yacht Haven as well as in Crown Bay!

Havensite Vendor's Plaza? Sounds good.

RL

I wish they'd get a new and different electronics store like Sharper Image, Brookstone, etc. Why is it always the same old stores?????

I wish ESPN would open a Zone at Yacht Haven. That would be exciting!

even want to buy a knock off? To look like you can afford the real thing??? LOL

Interesting conversation going on here...here's my two cents from middle class, middle America -- literally. I'm not being sarcastic. We are from the Midwest and don't make it to larger cities to shop often. If we go to Chicago, it's because we're flying out of O'Hare or going to a baseball game! =) We are 'down market' mainly because of geography: cost of living and salaries are just lower where we live. No offense taken to any of the references -- I agree. Just the facts, Jack. (However, we are not cruise folks.)

I thought it was funny that the cheap t-shirts and knock-off handbags were mentioned specifically. We always stay on St. John and aren't very familiar with St. Thomas. Our last drive through Havensight and Charlotte Amalie on our way to the airport is a good example of what is typical for us and probably a lot of people...

We hadn't necessarily planned on stopping anywhere on St. Thomas except to gas up the rental vehicle on the way to the airport. However, when we saw the tents in the vendor's plaza, we were reminded of the fun handbags. We drove all the way out of town, then decided to turn around and go back -- JUST because of the vender's plaza! We bought handbags and a cheap t-shirt for a child there. ha ha! =)

Then, since we were already parked, we shopped other stores in the area: bought something at the Harley shop and a pirate store of some sort (more stuff for the child). Then, had drinks in a small bar and ended up eating a meal at a bar/restaurant overlooking the harbor. Oh, and we had to use the public restrooms and tipped the attendant lady there. Our group consisted of 4 adults and one child.

So, AS A RESULT OF the vender's plaza we visited probably 12 businesses we wouldn't have otherwise entered, purchased items, meals, drinks, and tipped waitresses, etc. If the vendor's plaza relocated to Havensight, we would shop in Havensight instead and skip Charlotte Amalie all together. (It's gorgeous and we enjoy the architecture and view -- but we can enjoy the view as we drive through with the top down on the Jeep.) Maybe that's a desirable solution -- move the 'ugly' vendor tents and the middle America shoppers to Havensight and leave Charlotte Amalie for the rest of the folks? =) I don't think Middle America really cares, but if we don't SEE the tents, we may not stop at all. =)

The knock-offs are really a fun joke in our area. Most people know you can't afford the real thing, but they're just silly fun. Whenever friends come back from Vegas, they are always joking, "how do you like my new Fendi clutch?" We all just laugh and talk about the Kate Spade bag we're hoping to get for Christmas (that we probably won't get) while watching censored re-runs of Sex and the City on TBS!! Just because we don't have money doesn't mean we can't have a sense of humor. =)

TrevorK, thanks for sharing your town experience with us. I know I've seen many a St John visitor stop at Vendors' Plaza on their way back to the airport to pick up a few last minute trinkets. Since town doesn't open up until 9, and many vendors are already set up, it's more convenient for those with early flights. Also, most teens like cheap costume jewelry, and there's that in abundance at Vendors' Plaza, so people shop there for the kids and teens. Other than the Captain's Corner/Sparky's store on St John, I can't think of any other store on St John that has a variety of "affordable" souvenirs, so I think people tend to make it a point to stop at Vendors' Plaza especially since it's right across the street from the St John ferry.

I think it's the look of Vendors' Plaza that really riles most people. In its current state, it really doesn't fit the look of a historic district. Vendors' Plaza was always meant to be a temporary solution to the street vending problem, so it never fit into a grand plan. I'd like to see them outdoors with a more attractive look, and not necessarily in the heart of town. If they moved, they could have more flexible business hours, and that would open more opportunities for longer shopping hours, and possibly give more vendors an opportunity to share spots by splitting shifts.

It's really heartbreaking that fake bags are such a draw - I'd much rather see something representative of the area I'm visiting, but it's much easier for people to eat when they're selling fake bags than locally produced items. You have to give the customers what they want.

TrevorK,
I loved your input! Your point says it all! Had it not been there, other businesses wouldn't have been visited. Reminds me of a girlfriend of mine who has come to visit me a few times, most of her shopping was done there as well! She and I bought matching dresses, even tho we would never be seen wearing them at the same time, me here, she in up-state NY. Her hubby bought one of those hats that have the dreadlocks attached! His purchase was for a lecture that he was doing for young boys of color, using it as a tool. How cool!
I still have to say that I still see no problem with them being there at all. Maybe nicer tents, I can agree with that, actually something a little more permanent would be nice. Like a pavilion? They ARE a draw to customers! Like i said, that is where I find most of the dresses I purchase for my work! OK, and maybe some local crafts would be nice! Isn't there a little place across the street for crafty stuff tho?

OK, we had Hard Rock Cafe', how sad we lost that!!!!! I disagree with your store idea's ms411, where is the draw to the islands with those types of stores? Are you thinkin' of the stores you miss because you live here? That is why we go to the states to visit!!!!!!! Wouldn't mind the AT&T parking lot idea for the vendors tho.

Sherri,

I hope I am not offending anyone.

To clarify my point - I am fine with the $10 T shirts and such. I would just hate to see STT become "THE spot for $10 T shirts and other assorted cheap items". As you stated, there should be something for everyone. But, keep in mind that many of us are coming from the East Coast cities where the quality is high and price is low since our knock-offs are coming in directly from overseas. So, there's no draw from Vendor's Plaza.

As such, we are lost on that market. We are looking for something else - another shopping experience, if at all. When I say that I am looking for deals on Kosta Boda and Gucci, I realize that I don't speak for everyone - but I assume there are some others out there like me. If not, then I speak only for myself.

STT used to be the spot for high-end shopping because of the deals and the selection. There were things in the STT shops that Americans couldn't get on mainland America. It was a WOW to go home with items that could only be found in Paris, Milan, London (and STT). Now, with the prevalence of the Internet, we can simply sit in front of our fireplaces at home and place orders for specialty items like it's no big deal - real French perfume (made in France - not made in America with a French label) - European china patters - German crystal, French lace, etc.

The problems is that now, when I walk into a STT store and shop for things, I have done my homework and know what the asking price is on the net - and I find that STT is often higher....sometimes MUCH higher. For some reason, SXM is coming up with better deals on these goods - I have heard this from many people. I have no idea why. Could it be they SXM is European? I honestly don't know.

All I am saying is that I would like to know how STT is going to continue to attract the high-end shopper. I am all fine with the 4 for $10 Ts...but let's not get carried away with that stuff and make it the mainstay. I am concerned about the scales tipping too far to that side and STT losing focus on the high-end market and staying up on the game there. Times have changed - so has the knowledge of the shopper.

Maybe I am just dreaming that STT will regain it's status as the shopping capitol of the Caribbean - with some attention to people with deep pockets and champagne fetishes. I liked it like that. That's just me. I have also not seen the reports - so maybe profits are just fine on Main Street.

First a little background on me. Late 30's, married with no children, born and raised on the East Coast, moved to St.John in my early 30's and moved back to the East Coast. Fairy well travelled through out the Caribbean and (gasp, oh the horror) have been on a cruise or 2 in my day. I own 58 purses; real and knock off. If I like it I buy it. I have paid $1 for a purse at a tag sale and several hundred for a bag in a designer boutique

When I am visiting a Caribbean island, I enjoy a vendor's (straw) market. Many vendors sell things that I can get at home, but many are not. If I see a purse that I like, I will buy it. If I see a $10 t-shirt that I like I will buy it. I also shop in stores, too. We like to buy hot sauces and many times find great stuff from the market vendor's.
While living on STJ, I would sometimes shop at the vendor's market while in STT, I never considered it an eyesore, but everyone has their own opinion.

It would be wonderful if the islands stayed true to their heritage and history, but things change. I am not happy with the way that STJ looks today as opposed to 10 years ago, but the island seems to be responding to a demand.
I am sure that people like Ronnie and some of my native island friends (and other STT residents here) would love to see Main Street free of the vendor's plaza and timeshare barkers and taxi drivers barking "back to the ship?" but as the ferry pulls into Cruz Bay and you look to the left to see a massive building that, in my opinion, is a disgrace, all that I can say is "the times they are a changing."

I don't care that you bad mouth the vendor's plaza. Nine days ago we flew in from STX for the day and got a lot of trinkets for the people back home. Then we went to Royal Caribbean and bought the latest Pentax camera, a K10D model. It will not be available in the states for at least another month. I paid $50 less than the prices quoted on the internet and they threw in for FREE a one gig memory card, a lens filter and a carrying case. So, bargains can be had on things other than jewelery.
AS long as the vendor's plaza is kept within a short walk of the main shopping area, I think everyone will be happy.

Sherri, I was using Sharper Image and Brookstone as examples of other electronics stores other than Royal Caribbean - I'd like to see any new stores selling something other than jewelry. And, you have to keep in mind, STT draws a lot of shoppers from other parts of the Caribbean (and the foreign crew members). To them, those stores are probably a novelty.

Was it you that asked about the Crafts Co-op across the street from Vendors' Plaza? Yes, there is one, but you can probably count the number of people on two hands that go in there every day. It lacks visibility because it's INDOORS. It's also lacking interraction with the crafters/vendors; people like to socialize with locals, and there's no opportunity to do that in the co-op.

Can anybody recommend an open-air shopping market anywhere in the world that would be a good model for a new, proposed Vendors' Plaza? I've never been to St Barths, but I hear that's the celebrities' Caribbean island of choice these days. What type of shopping do they have there?

Hi everyone, First off no one is offended I think, just putting in our thoughts and idea's...if only we could solve all the problems of the world! I don't have much time, have to leave NOW, will write again later. But to answer the last question, when I went to Barbados, we got the ship and were directed thru a very nice warehouse type building (not open air) that had both crafty stuff as well as the touristy type stuff. It was presented nicely. I simply don't see were we could do that here tho. I just asked my honey what he thought of vendors plaza as he has lived here 40 yrs. He thinks its a good thing also.

I've been to that shopping area in Barbados, and it is very nice. They do have other vendors outside with wares similar to those found in Vendors' Plaza. One lady with a kiosk used to be in Pelican Village, the crafters' area on the main road to town. I bought from her years ago when she was in Pelican Village, and looked for her again when I went back to Barbados. I couldn't find her in Pelican, but after looking at the merchandise offered at the kiosks, I kind of recognized her craft, though it's scaled down considerably now.

Nassau has a similar set-up for locally produced items. You have to pass through it to get ANYWHERE after getting off the ship. They even have a local band playing traditional instruments, and they invite visitors to come onstage and play an instrument for a local photo op. Everybody LOVES it! They even have carnival costumes on display so with those head cut-outs so you can take a picture of yourself in virtual costume.

The key words for both locations are "locally produced." It's extremely difficult to make a living when you're trying to make AND sell your items in a kiosk all day - especially when people are expecting "bargains."

Blu,
Maybe I am wrong, but I don't see where the high end goods have been compromised here. I don't go into town often, I have to admit, but with stores such as A. H. Riise, Sterns, Little Switzerland, etc. we still have a lot of high end purchases to be made! I know there is a store that makes jewelry, etc. to sell all of high quality! I don't see were store names have changed much over the yrs. I have lived here. I know that Tiffany no longer discounts their items, but you still save on taxes. The Internet certainly has changed things for sure. E-bay and the like, have changed things big time! China and crystal are supposed to be great ticket items to buy here, but when you can go on e-bay and get what you need to add to your collection from someone who no longer wants it, well, who needs A. H. Riise? (hope I am not offending you Blu, I value your input)!

Drove by Vendors Plaza yesterday as I was taking some guests to a villa and gave it a hard look. The only thing I noticed which could be improved (to me) was that the tents that the vendors are using have taken a beating due to the sun, so they have bought tarps to put over their tents. Otherwise, you can see that they are placed just so, a plan was made as to how and exactly were they were set up and again, I saw lots of color! I still like it!!!! Would have liked to take a picture, but couldn't get an overall shot and I am sure this discussion is more than likely on its way out!

ms411, you said it all. The Craft Co-op gets fewer visits as it's inside, so above mentioned idea's of hiding the vendors inside will take away from the whole attraction! So the vendors being where they are seems to be the best solution! By moving them to the AT&T parking lot would actually take away from the town shopping in many ways!
To me the only attraction to Havensight shopping mall is for easier parking and ease of cruise ship passengers, no history there. I ALWAYS recommend people go into town for its historical vantage. They can take the time to see the old churches, Jewish Synagogue (first in the western hemisphere), old Danish Warehouses, etc.!!!! There is so much to see there! Vendors Plaza doesn't change that history at all. Only my 2 cents!
Most importantly, I hope those who come to STT enjoy their experience and have fun!

Sherri, what do you know of the history of the island? Apparently not much. The Jewish Synagogue is the second oldest in the Western hemisphere. The oldest being in Curacao.
This may be my point. Where the vendor's plaza is now was a beautiful waterway. We lost it when they filled the waterfront fro the road way.

There is no reason why we should have to tolerate such an unsightly mess at the entrance to our historic district, period!. I frankly don't care how the other islands do it and how colorful you think they are. Sorry to sound so harsh, but we need to put our foot down to get St. Thomas back where it was, as the premier destination in the Caribbean. We now ave a state of the art marina getting ready to open that will attract multi million dollar mega yachts and we need to do something that will make it appealing to them and all of our visitors!

The people who shop at those types of places will go into the building, if that's the only place they are. Simple as that.
RL

Ronnie, I understand that this may be a hot topic for you but there is no reason to take out your opinion on other people. Perhaps Sherri was mistaken about the Synagogue and you comment " the people who shop at those types of places" is very snide.

You know me personally, and I shop at those types of places, does that make me a bad person that does not care about the history of the island?

A marina may attract million dollar mega yachts, but I seriously doubt that a vendor's plaza will drive them away.

It is an area that attracts tourists and some locals, perhaps it could look nicer, but never the less, it attracts people.

We are all entitled to our opinions, they do not make us bad people, just different and we should be able to see past our views and respect each other.