Retail in Bermuda operates within a compact, island-based economy where all shops are locally owned, grocery prices are significantly higher than in North America or Europe, and most stores keep weekday hours of around 9am to 5pm. Understanding the supermarket landscape, payment norms, consumer rights, and where to find international products will help you shop smarter from day one.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical retail hours | Monday–Saturday, 9am–5:30pm; most shops closed Sundays (as of 2025) |
| Grocery price premium | Up to twice the equivalent US price for a standard basket (as of 2025) |
| Accepted currencies | Bermuda dollar and US dollar (1:1 parity); major credit/debit cards widely accepted |
| Largest supermarket chain | The MarketPlace — 8 locations island-wide |
| Key consumer protection law | Fair Trading Act 2016 and Consumer Protection Act 1999 |
| Main consumer body | Bermuda Consumer Affairs, consumeraffairs.bm |
What are typical opening hours of shops in Bermuda, and what payment forms are accepted?
Stores in the City of Hamilton, St. George, and Somerset are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm. Most stores are open from 10am to 5pm, and are typically closed on Sundays. There is some variation between individual retailers, so it is always worth calling ahead, especially for smaller boutiques.
When large cruise liners are in port, stores may stay open later, and are sometimes open on Sundays. The Clocktower Mall at Royal Naval Dockyard is open seven days a week, which makes it the default Sunday shopping option for cruise visitors and West End residents.
During December, many Hamilton retailers extend their hours for late-night Thursdays, late-night Fridays, and Sunday shopping through the Christmas season. During Harbour Nights — a seasonal evening event on Front Street — most Front Street stores stay open well past their normal closing time, many running until 9pm or later.
Supermarkets, and indeed all businesses on the island, accept both Bermuda and US dollars. The Bermuda dollar is pegged at exactly 1:1 with the US dollar, so there is no currency conversion to worry about between the two. Major international credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — are widely accepted across retailers, hotels, and restaurants. Contactless payments are increasingly common in Hamilton’s larger stores. However, it is wise to carry some cash for smaller parish shops, market stalls, and bus fares.
What are the major supermarkets in Bermuda, and how do they differ on price?
Only locally owned companies are allowed to operate on the island, so you will not find branches of international chains like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Tesco, or Asda here. Stores are relatively small, and limited shelf space means the product range is predominantly groceries — there are no hypermarkets selling white goods and other non-food products.
The major players are the MarketPlace group, Arnold’s, Lindo’s, and the Supermart. There are also a number of upmarket stores like Miles Market and Harrington Hundreds.
The MarketPlace is the island’s dominant chain. It is the largest grocery store on the island, with eight branches spread across different parishes, with the first and main branch having opened in Hamilton City in 1939. Other than a wide range of grocery items, they also offer pre-cooked food like roasted or grilled meat, chicken, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads — many locals come here for hot lunch. Prices are considered very reasonable by Bermuda standards.
Lindo’s is a well-regarded mid-range option. With a wide range of products from the US, UK, Europe, Portugal, and the Caribbean, there is always something to choose from at Lindo’s. It has an impressive stock of fresh organic vegetables, health and natural food, certified Angus beef, specialty gourmet items, and great options for gluten-free and vegan shoppers. Its bakery section is one of the finest on the island, with all bakery items made in-house. Lindo’s store hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8am–7pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8am–8pm; closed Sundays.
Arnold’s functions more like an extended-hours convenience store. Arnold’s is more expensive than MarketPlace, but runs on convenience store hours while MarketPlace has a far better selection. Arnold’s can be a useful fallback when other stores are closed.
Miles Market and Harrington Hundreds are the island’s premium options, stocking high-end, specialty, and gourmet goods. They are the most expensive stores on the island and are popular with those seeking imported delicacies and premium cuts. If budget is a concern, these are best reserved for special items rather than weekly shopping.
Grocery prices across all stores are notably high. Middlemen, shipping costs, and high customs duties mean that products cost significantly more in Bermuda than in the US. At the store, expect to pay up to two times more than in the US for your standard basket of groceries. Shoppers can get some discounts by planning their weekly shop carefully — the MarketPlace stores offer a 5% discount on Wednesdays, while Arnold’s stores give a 15% discount on the first Tuesday of the month.
Most grocery stores are open every day of the week (Lindo’s are closed on Sundays). They also sell alcohol, although licensing laws prohibit sales after 9pm.
Is online shopping popular in Bermuda, and what are the main websites?
As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, there are growing concerns about consumer protection in e-commerce. Many residents order directly from US-based retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, using a Bermuda-based package forwarding address to bring goods to the island. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to access a wider range of products not available locally.
The two most widely used package forwarding services in Bermuda are MyUS.com and local operator Bermuda ShipSmart, which give Bermuda residents a US mailing address. Goods are shipped to that US address and then forwarded to Bermuda. Be aware that customs duty is payable on imported goods; Bermuda’s customs threshold and duty rates mean that larger online orders can attract significant additional charges, and it is important to budget for these.
If you do not want to visit grocery stores in person, you can order items online and have them delivered to your doorstep, though there is an additional service cost, which may not be a small amount — services (and indeed most things in Bermuda) are expensive. There are a couple of companies on the island that provide grocery delivery service. The MarketPlace, for example, offers online ordering for local delivery, which is convenient for busy residents or those without personal transport.
Online transactions in Bermuda are generally governed by the same principles that apply to in-store purchases. However, it is important for consumers to be cautious when purchasing goods or services online, particularly with regard to privacy and the security of payment systems. Always use reputable retailers and secure payment methods when shopping internationally.
Are there shops specifically for expats, and where can you find international products?
Bermuda does not have shops explicitly branded as “expat stores,” but a number of retailers stock a strong range of international products that make it easy to find familiar foods and goods from home. The key is knowing which stores cater to which tastes.
Marks and Spencer at 17 Reid Street brings the British retailer’s signature underwear, knitwear, formal clothing, and food hall to Hamilton. The food section at the back of the store is a small attraction on its own if you want British biscuits, teas, savouries, and wine. This is the go-to destination for those seeking familiar products available in similar form in the UK.
The Supermart on Front Street in Hamilton is another noteworthy option for international foods. This large supermarket is located on Front Street in the eastern side of Hamilton City and stocks Waitrose products, making it particularly useful for those who want access to premium British grocery brands.
Lindo’s markets themselves on their breadth of international range. With a wide range of products from the US, UK, Europe, Portugal, and the Caribbean, there is always something to choose from at Lindo’s. Portuguese foods in particular are well represented, reflecting Bermuda’s significant Portuguese-heritage community.
For specialist and gourmet international items, Miles Market (located in the Waterfront complex off Pitts Bay Road in Hamilton) and Harrington Hundreds in Smith’s Parish are the best bets. These stores stock a curated selection of international cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and imported specialty goods — though prices are at the premium end of the scale.
For health food, organic, and free-from products, Lindo’s and the MarketPlace both carry a growing range, but dedicated health stores such as The Supermart and Phoenix Stores also stock vitamins, supplements, and natural health products. P-Tech at 2 Reid Street, on the corner of Queen Street, is the island’s main consumer electronics store, part of The Phoenix Stores, stocking brands including Bose, Sony, GoPro, Canon, Nikon, Samsung, Apple, HP, and Lenovo, and includes a repair centre for PC, Mac, tablet, and mobile devices.
Locally sourced foods account for a tiny proportion of products available. There are just a handful of farms, and production is limited to fruit and vegetables, eggs and dairy products, and flowers. For fresh local produce, visiting one of Bermuda’s occasional farmers’ markets or small roadside stalls is a pleasant complement to supermarket shopping.
What consumer rights do you have in Bermuda, and who can help if things go wrong?
Bermuda, as a British Overseas Territory, has a unique legal system that operates under both local legislation and the laws of the United Kingdom. Consumer protection in Bermuda is governed by various laws that seek to safeguard the rights of consumers, focusing on fair trading, product safety, and the protection of consumers from unfair practices.
The Fair Trading Act 2016 is one of the central pieces of consumer protection legislation in Bermuda. This Act was designed to protect consumers from unfair commercial practices, including false or misleading advertising, price-fixing, and deceptive business practices.
Bermuda follows the principles of English contract law when it comes to the sale of goods. Under common law, goods sold in Bermuda are generally expected to be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described by the seller. If goods are defective or do not meet these expectations, consumers may be entitled to a remedy, including repair, replacement, or refund.
If a product is faulty or does not match its description, consumers in Bermuda may have the right to claim a remedy under the Sale of Goods Act. This mirrors the approach taken in many common-law jurisdictions, where the burden is on the seller to provide goods that are fit for purpose.
Bermuda has regulations to ensure that products sold on the island meet safety standards. The Consumer Protection (Safety of Goods) Regulations govern the safety of products, particularly those that may pose a risk to consumers, such as household items, toys, and electrical goods. Furthermore, products must be able to be sold in the US, UK, or Canada before being sold in Bermuda, which provides an additional baseline of product safety assurance.
If, during or upon completion of a requested consumer service, a customer discovers that a business failed to exercise reasonable care and skill, Bermuda’s consumer protection legislation entitles the affected consumer to mandate that the business either provide additional or corrective services to amend any observed issues at no additional cost, or provide a partial or full discount.
The Fair Trading Act also regulates advertising and marketing practices in Bermuda. It ensures that businesses do not engage in false, misleading, or deceptive advertising, protecting consumers from being misled about the nature or price of goods and services.
Violations of consumer protection laws, including false advertising, deceptive trade practices, and the sale of unsafe products, can result in penalties such as fines, legal action, and product recalls.
Key consumer contacts
- Bermuda Consumer Affairs — The primary government body for consumer complaints and guidance. Their website provides detailed information on consumer rights for both residents and businesses: consumeraffairs.bm. For information regarding standards in Bermuda, contact the Consumer Affairs office.
- Government of Bermuda — Consumer Protection Laws: gov.bm/consumer-protection-laws
- Bermuda Laws Online — The official repository for all Bermuda legislation, including the Fair Trading Act 2016 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999: bermudalaws.bm
- Bermuda Chamber of Commerce — Can assist with disputes involving local businesses and provides a directory of registered traders: bermudachamber.bm
If you have a complaint about a retailer, the recommended first step is always to raise the matter directly with the business. If this does not resolve the issue, escalate to Consumer Affairs, who can investigate and mediate between consumers and businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Are shops in Bermuda open on Sundays?
You can shop six days of the week, but on Sundays and national public holidays, some shops, businesses, and restaurants in Bermuda close. The Clocktower Mall at Royal Naval Dockyard is open seven days a week, and resort boutiques often trade on Sundays. Supermarkets have varying Sunday hours, so check individual store websites before travelling.
Can I use US dollars in Bermuda shops?
Supermarkets, and indeed all businesses on the island, accept both Bermuda and US dollars. The two currencies are pegged at a 1:1 rate, so there is no effective difference in value when making purchases. Change is typically given in Bermuda dollars, so you may accumulate local coins that cannot be spent outside of Bermuda.
How much more expensive is grocery shopping in Bermuda compared to the US or Europe?
Middlemen, shipping costs, and high customs duties mean that products cost significantly more in Bermuda than in the US. At the store, expect to pay up to two times more than in the US for your standard basket of groceries. Prices also compare unfavourably with most European countries, making careful budgeting important for new expats.
Is there a way to get discounts on grocery shopping?
The MarketPlace stores offer a 5% discount on Wednesdays, while Arnold’s stores give a 15% discount on the first Tuesday of the month. Planning your main shop around these discount days can generate meaningful savings over the course of a month. Buying in bulk where storage allows is also a popular strategy among long-term residents.
Can I order goods online from overseas and have them shipped to Bermuda?
Yes. Many residents use package forwarding services to obtain a US mailing address, order from major US retailers, and have goods forwarded to Bermuda. Be aware that customs duty applies on imported goods, and charges can add significantly to the overall cost. Always factor duty into your budget before ordering. Online transactions in Bermuda are generally governed by the same principles that apply to in-store purchases.
Where can I find British food products in Bermuda?
Marks and Spencer at 17 Reid Street in Hamilton brings the British retailer’s food hall to Bermuda, including British biscuits, teas, savouries, and wine. Additionally, the Supermart on Front Street in Hamilton stocks Waitrose products. These two stores are the primary destinations for those seeking familiar British grocery lines.
What should I do if I buy a faulty product in Bermuda?
Under common law, goods sold in Bermuda are generally expected to be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described by the seller. If goods are defective or do not meet these expectations, consumers may be entitled to a remedy, including repair, replacement, or refund. Start by contacting the retailer directly, and if unresolved, escalate your complaint to Bermuda Consumer Affairs at consumeraffairs.bm.
Are there any health food or organic shops in Bermuda?
Lindo’s has an impressive stock of fresh organic vegetables, health and natural food, certified Angus beef, specialty gourmet items, and great options for gluten-free and vegan shoppers. The MarketPlace also stocks a growing range of health-focused products. For supplements and vitamins, Phoenix Stores on Reid Street is a reliable option for health and wellness products.