Traveler’s need Gifts too!

What's in your wallet? The Harbourmaster Sales' Table with all that you need to stuff your stocking!

“What do you want for Christmas?”

“I don’t know. Nothing I guess.”

And it’s true. I don’t know. I never do. I’m sure there’s plenty of things I would love to see under the tree, but I have no idea where to find them in Bermuda.

I mean, where would I find gear for my next trip? That doesn’t cost my arm to buy?

Ha ha! Good thing The Harbourmaster is here to help with all of your traveler’s needs! And at prices that will help save for the next trip!

Sheilagh Robertson, owner of The Harbourmaster, has done all the sorting for you and placed everything from leather wallets to leather shoes on her Sales’ table. These beautiful items are all 25 to 30 percent off!!!

Wallets that used to be $49 are now $30!

But don’t wait forever because the table will be put away for the winter rush in two weeks!

Rush for what? Well rush for these beautiful gifts for the male traveler in your life! Why not take the time this holiday season to help the man in your life with some trendy, travel totes!

No worries Sheilagh is on the case. She has New Looks for the man in your life starting with this Meridien LAND luggage:

Men's new look for November: Meridien LAND line: Duffle Bag: $340

It’s a duffle bag that is small enough for carry-on, but big enough for all of his travel needs.

But maybe the man in your life needs to sort-out his toiletries? Does he toss his tooth brush? Forget his shaving cream?

Why not make sure all of these necessary items are in one beautiful package? That’s why LAND created the toiletry kit that is both useful and stylish.

LAND Leather Toiletry Bag: $99

Maybe your man needs to keep the keys sorted with his passport. His wallet with his guidebook?

Perhaps he needs to keep all of this safe and somewhere he can see it? Well Sheilagh Robertson has exactly what he needs in the classic and leather LAND waist pouch.

Waist Pouch: $99

Like the duffle bag and toiletry bag this waist pouch is the latest from the LAND Meridien line and won’t last long, so make sure you find your Holiday shopping way to The Harbourmaster.

Located on the first floor of the Washington Mall in Hamilton, Bermuda it has everything you need this holiday season!

She’s got baggage

But luckily, Sheilagh Robertson’s is the traveling kind! That’s because Mrs. Robertson is the owner of what was Bermuda’s first specialty luggage and leather goods store.

Her 35-years of business have produced, everything from the wacky – a student with 14 bags to go to college – to the informative – travel tips such as travel with an extra, empty duffel bag for additional shopping.

But while her opening was a first for Bermuda, her 35-years have made her almost one of the last – one of the last original shops in the Island’s capital – Hamilton.

How has this little, leather and luggage mecca survive? Mrs. Robertson says it is based on what she provides.

Mrs. Robertson said: “My aim at The Harbourmaster was to provide a selection of high-quality luggage and leather goods that were durable, well-designed and at a more moderate price than the high-end designer brands that are featured in all the fashion magazines.

The Harbourmaster in the Washington Mall

“The Harbourmaster was the first specialty luggage and leather goods store in Bermuda and even now there are very few stores anywhere that offer the same degree of quality and choice that we do.

“Over the years our merchandise mix has evolved. When we opened we carried luggage and leather goods manufactured in Canada, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Colombia, and the USA . Many of the manufacturers that we did business with were small family owned companies.

“Many of these companies no longer exist as they were sold as owners have retired and the younger generation have sold out. In recent years most of the manufacturing side of the industry has moved to China and many of the smaller brands are now owned by large conglomerates.

“It is much harder for a new small business to compete in today’s world which is dominated by Wal-Mart, “big box” stores, and large chains  in the USA. Today everything is accessible from everywhere on the internet,provided the customer is willing to pay the price.

“We have stayed in business by continuing to focus on  high quality merchandise and good customer service. We want our customers to enjoy their shopping experience and be able to buy items that will suit their needs.”

Inside The Harbourmaster - bags for all your travels!

What has impacted her business? What else…the airlines. These traveling tons of tin have limited the space and size of luggage much to the chagrin of the avid luggage expert.

While Mrs. Robertson still finds her line of leather goods from Colombia (not the college; the country) flying-off her shelves, Kipling has also crept into the limelight.

Land line from Colombia

She said: “Our best-selling leather goods line is from Land, a company based in Colombia South America. We have sold their products for 34 of our 35 years and many of our customers still use items that they purchased from us years ago.

“Our best-selling luggage line is Kipling-especially now that the airlines have severely restricted baggage weight allowances.  It is light-weight, well-made and features lots of fashion colours and styles in addition to the core colours.

“The reduction in weight limit from 70 lbs to 50 lbs means that most customers are looking for lighter luggage  so that they can pack more weight but avoid paying overweight fees.

“Most of the top quality luggage brands suitcases tend to be heavier because the component parts and fabrics are heavier, stronger and more durable.  Now all the top manufacturers are looking for new materials and ways of manufacturing that will reduce weight without compromising the quality.”

Sheilagh’s tip: “For frequent travelers it is still better to buy a well-made suitcase and to pack smarter.”

Want more tips? Well check-in here every Tuesday for the best way to get to college, cruise or generally pack for Cup Match.

So what are you waiting for? Oh directions….sure well: Drive to Hamilton, Bermuda. Walk into the Washington Mall (on the first floor) via the alley. The Harbourmaster is there on your right! Enjoy!!!

Adios Amigos and Bon Voyage with your new gear!