Jewelry Shops Open on New Years Day?

Hello!

We are cruising through St. Maarten on 1/1/15, and we were wondering if the jewelry shops would be open. We always buy our jewelry from there, and this trip is an important one-- we are getting my wedding band!

Does anyone have any experience in this regard?

Thanks!

They will probably be open. These stores depend on the cruise passengers for most of there income.

They will probably be open. These stores depend on the cruise passengers for most of there income.

Be careful here, as my understanding is that MOST shops will NOT be open.

If your jewelry store is at the Cruise Facility or an island resort, you'll probably be ok, but most shops have to close.

This is something I clipped from an earlier statement, but I'm certain that it still applies, though things can change.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication herewith makes the following known that:

New Year's Day is an official holiday.

In keeping with the Law on Shop Closure, all places of business must be closed on this day.

In accordance with Article 3 of the Law on Shop Closure, the afore-mentioned is not applicable to the following businesses:

Pharmacies, as far as it concerns the sale of medicine and medical products;

Bars and restaurants;

Hotel and guesthouses;

Stores located in hotels and on airport and harbor premises;

Funeral parlors;

Gas stations and

Bakeries selling pastries, milk and milk products

No dispensation will be granted for stores to be opened on New Year's Day.

gary