An article in Monday's Business section incorrectly stated that Hamilton Mayor William Frith presided at the opening of Coopers Cachet on Friday. In fact, Mr. Frith was unable to attend the ceremony as planned and Deputy Mayor Lawson Mapp was on hand to cut the ribbon instead.

One of Bermuda's top department stores has moved itself into pole position to take advantage of the cruise ship trade.

Coopers on Friday opened a new premises on Front Street, Hamilton -- Cooper's Cachet -- which is aimed at both the cruise ship passenger and the local markets.

The store, which used to house Davidson's, almost faces the docking terminal from which passengers pour out of during the tourist season.

The shop sells moderately priced jewellery which ranges from $15 to $1,500, Waterford crystal, perfume and at the rear has a year-round Christmas decorations department.

On Friday the store had an official ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Hamilton, William Frith.

Crowds of interested locals came through the doors and there were queues throughout of people trying to get a complimentary rose -- 360 had been brought in a promotional offer for customers.

"It is a great promotion, because customers walk out of here and will tell their friends about it or be asked where they got it,'' said Inara Kalinis, general merchandise manager at the shop.

She added: "It is aimed at both locals and people coming in on the ships. We hope we have got together in one place a wide variety of items that will interest the shopper.'' The year-round Christmas shop will be the first in Bermuda, and sales of items like kiskadee baubles, tree frogs and hanging bottles containing pink sand are expected to be winners.

American tourists have been well catered for in this department with plenty of red London buses, Scottish pipers and even Irish leprechauns.

Some of the perfumery is still not fully stocked, but does contain Bermuda Perfumery products as well as the normal range of international scents.

Other items -- which have not yet been delivered -- include a larger selection of jewellery, evening bags and two life-size nut crackers which will stand guard at the entrance.

Mrs. Kalinis said: "One window will have perfumery, the other jewellery and the nut crackers will echo the Christmas department -- the Waterford speaks for itself.''