Castries is the economic center of the island. Local produce markets, selling domestically produced goods, are found in all the small villages and towns. They are usually most active in the early morning hours to avoid the midday heat and the afternoon tropical showers. As of 2000, about 70% of the GDP was attributed to service industries.
Normal business hours are 8 AM to 12 noon and 1 to 4 PM on weekdays, except for Wednesday, when shops close early. Banks are open from 8 AM to 1 PM on weekdays and on Fridays from 3 to 6 PM.