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First let me thank everyone who posts here! I've only read through page 45 so far, but have already gathered a tremendous amount of information about my possible re-location to St. Thomas. I plan to come down in September for a PMV and to scout the possibilities.
After 22 years as a manager in the marketing/promotion business in Manhattan, I am officially a statistic...yup, the big "lay off" (thank you, corporate America!). Am hoping to find seasonal work in St. Thomas, ideally as a sales person in one of the larger jewelry/gift/costmetic shops in town (Little Switzerland, A.H. Riise, etc.) or in one of the resort gift shops. I have many years of sales experience, although not specifically in the jewelry business and am wondering if this will be problematic. Anyone have any experience with working in these retailers? Any idea of the salaries/commissions? I realize that my income will be nowhere near what I'm used to making in NY - in fact, it will probably cost me money to live down there for 4-5 months. But for now, that's OK with me. When would be the best time to come down to get a "jump" on applying for these jobs?
I would also be interested in working somehow with the cruise passengers - perhaps escorting island excursions? Any companies there that I might contact? Other suggestions?
On that note, is it possible to rent a studio/1 bedroom for only four or five months at a time? Most ads I've seen require a 6 month lease. Also, is my NY Driver's License valid on STT?
I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions and am just grateful to have found this forum! Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted : March 17, 2006 4:46 pm
Hello AnnNY,
I'm not in that line of work and can't tell you what you might make, but I gather from the boards that it's not much at all, at least for the salespeople.
The opinion of this board seems to be that you should apply in person for such jobs-- most posts indicate that you should actually be living there already. I guess employers have had people who come down to look and then don't actually move.
The stores you mentioned are the "biggest" stores-- Little Switzerland, AH Riise, plus Columbian Emeralds, Diamonds International, H Stern, Royal Caribbean, and Cardow.
Resorts to try include Marriott Frenchman's Reef, the Ritz, and the Wyndham Sugar Bay.
You might also scout out new stores going in at the old Yacht Haven development. That's the pink hotel property adjacent to Havensight that lay in ruins for years. It's undergoing a massive renovation and is aiming for the ultra high-end yachting crowd. There will be many shops there, including Louis Vuitton, BCBG Max Azria, Roberto Coin, Tommy Bahama, Little Switzerland, and Diamonds International. The target date for opening phase I is around Thanksgiving 2006. Read more about this development at www.virginislandsdailynews.com. Scroll down to the bottom and on the left you'll find a search window for articles-- type in Yacht Haven.
As for a time to secure a job, I don't know that either. The low season officially begins in May. Might mean that the need is less. On the other hand, moving in the summer makes it easier to find a place to rent. Now might be a good time to nose around about jobs at the new Yacht Haven.
You do need to do a PMV (pre-move visit) at the very least before moving. Maybe you can spread your resume around while scouting for a place to live.
As for places to rent, once again you'll probably need to do that in person too.
Good luck and no, you're not crazy.
Posted : March 19, 2006 10:45 am
On a recent trip I ran into a woman who has a background story similar to yours. She now works in sales and marketing for the Westin on St. John. Might try there. Similarly, see what you can find out about a new and similar property, Marriott Frenchman's Cove. It's under construction on STT and they're advertising the property heavily. www.stthomas.vacationclub.com
Posted : March 19, 2006 10:51 am
There are a few people in jewelry sales who stay here in the winter and go to Alaska in the summer, working for the same company. I would guess that they have arrangements for shorter leases, although you would have to arrange that in person. Also, if you are on commission and are a good sales person, I think you can do well anywhere!
Posted : March 19, 2006 3:29 pm
Thanks for the replies, especially about Yacht Haven and the Westin. Is it feasible to live on STT and work on STJ?
Posted : March 23, 2006 5:32 pm
Hi Ann.
Many people live on STT and work on STJ. Some of the larger employers on STJ provide transportation for some of their personnel but most people commute on the ferry.
Posted : March 23, 2006 7:15 pm
