Veteran retailer John Casling yesterday opened Bling Bling Sunglass Boutique offering an extensive collection of trendy sunglasses and quality cigars.

Following the recent closure of Buds, Beans and Books on Front Street, Mr. Casling moved next door to open his new venture on Par-La-Ville Road.

?We want to cater to the local market and, given the lines we carry, we did not require a lot of floor space,? he said.

?Cooper?s was looking for space for their cosmetics and fragrances and so our new location has worked out for everyone concerned.?

The designer handbags and jewellery available at Bling Bling are popular designs featured in fashion magazines and can be purchased at affordable prices, Mr. Casling said.

Donna Karan, Prada, Vogue, DKNY, Ray-Ban, Salvatore Ferragamo, Persol, Killer Loop and Revo are just some of the numerous sunglasses brands available.

?We are going to concentrate on a product line we have been doing for 20 years and that is quality sunglasses at US retail prices and back it up with good service,? he said

Bling Bling also carries a range of quality cigars such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partacas, as well as humidors and cigar accessories.

?In Hamilton more and more companies are putting less and less emphasis on the tourist dollar and more on the local economy,? Mr. Casling suggested.

?There is definitely a market for niche products if you can keep it within a small boutique environment and can keep your overheads affordable.?

?I think, with fewer tourists, it is very difficult to run a department store in Bermuda right now. With Trimingham?s and Smith?s going out of the local market it has created a void in merchandise in Bermuda.?