I always thought that the boutique was overpriced (as did/do many). But I was judging them by the little things that I sorta knew the prices of: toothpaste, wrist bands, etc.
Yesterday I priced the watch I got at a local jewelry store. 24% discount before any tax effect.
Another LCTer bought a watch from the same brand as I. I saw it in an ad in Sunday's NYT. He got a 22% discount from list.
I'm guessing that items with duty come out better than plain stuff.
All in all, it seems that the spa was the rip-off and not so much for the boutique.

John: glad you made out ok with being escorted off the ship. Customs is always a crap shoot.

Doug