Bermuda Public Services Union leader Ed Ball said he had been surprised and saddened by the closure of Trimingham's with the loss of so many jobs.

He hoped new investors could re-energise the store as the choice would be limited for shoppers with Cooper's currently dispersed throughout Hamilton during the rebuilding of its empire.

"What are tourists going to spend their money on? Trimingham's was sold as a quality store.

"It's a sad day for Bermuda. It's unfortunate. I don't know what their bottom line is.

"What is going to happen to their employees?

"If Trimingham's goes you can see more people going overseas and buying."

And Mr. Ball was surprised the Bank of Bermuda was buying the Front Street site after laying off staff themselves recently.