The Somerset branch of the English Sports Shop appears to be the latest casualty in Bermuda’s ailing retail sector in the wake of the economic impact of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Efforts to get an official comment from the owners have continued for the past few weeks with no response yet.
When you call the main store you get an automated answering system that leads you to various departments and extensions, once connected the phone call cuts off.
In any case west end residents would know that the store closed several weeks ago and the vacant space remains just that – empty.
The English Sports Shop operates another branch in St George’s in addition to the main store in Hamilton, which was established in 1918 and promoted as “the home of the original Bermuda shorts”..
The store’s website says: “The charming classic Front Street location is a must visit and in addition you will find branch stores throughout the island. A variety of their own Bermuda-designed resort wear offers a unique opportunity for a fashionable souvenir of your visit.
“Departments for men and ladies offer everything from European menswear such as Hugo Boss to the made-to-measure suits of Alexandre of London, to a vast array of knitwear and casual resort wear. The Islander Linen Collection, the classic English Sports Shop Madras and Island Casuals resort wear are just the beginning! Ties, linen jackets, cotton & cashmere knitwear and of course, the world famous ultimate in preppy resort wear, Bermuda shorts, are available in an extensive array of colours from favourite staples to tropical hues.
“Through more than a century they’ve perfected the art of dressing for the island lifestyle and when The New York Sunday Times travel writer wrote “The best bargains are at the English Sports Shop where the threads are vintage Preppy Handbook” she captured the essence of this iconic Bermudian store.”
