Shopping in Grenadines - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

So, if you’re determined to do some nice shopping, then surely it’s better to go to Kingstown. The city is not just the touristic centre but also the largest harbour in the country. You can basically find anything there, from watches to jewellery. Besides, you can easily find yourself a gorgeous bag from the last collection, an expensive camera, and even a couple of lovely knick-knacks there. However, remember that the most part of products of mass consumption are brought here from all over the globe, that is why it would be not that easy to find something cheap and of high quality at the same time. Generally, prices here are pretty the same as in the US. Food here costs a bit more expensive owing to transportation charges.

If you want to buy a lovely souvenir, take a look at authentic stuff made here by local masters, not just somewhere abroad in a factory. And, whatever how trivial it may sound, a majority of tourists prefer to buy usual magnets. But it’s quite understandable as there are lots of these kinds of mementos in the port, so for those tourists who go there to have a trip on a cruise ship, these are a perfect purchase. On the other hand, a magnet – even if it depicts tremendously fascinating scenery of the island – is a simple thing just like those bunches of crafts from seashells and corals. What is more, you have to be careful as there are such kinds of corals which are forbidden to be taken from the island. If you’re looking for something more unusual, you can, for instance, buy a thing from turtle shell. However, prices for it are much higher.

You’ll also find a great amount of various small statues in local shops. They mostly depict people of colour – mostly women – and diverse birds and animals (e.g. turtles). What is more, people use different materials to create ones, for example, stone, wood or even leaves of local plants. So, such souvenir would be a really original gift. Besides, there is a bunch of stylized fetishes which reminds of the island inhabitants’ African origin. The tradition of creating dolly-talismans also has its origin with the Dark Continent. Even if you’re not fond of mysticism, you can buy this kind of souvenir just because such talismans are actually pretty and would remind you of your journey to St. Vincent. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another peculiar memento which you can buy here on the island is a panel made from island stones, corals, and shells. Such an extraordinary decoration would definitely make your trip unforgettable. In addition, take a look at the local pieces of jewellery which are really beloved by local women and kind of exotic for foreigners. Diverse bracelets, a pendant with chatoyancy, various carved wooden beads, and semiprecious stones would be very nice presents. If you’re fond of cultivation, then you probably would like germinated cactuses – there are many kinds of them and, what is more, they are being sold for an affordable price. Maybe you’re keen on sports? Then you definitely would be interested in, for instance, tennis rackets by local suppliers. The rackets are world-famous for their quality and have been exported to countries all around the globe for many years.

A cigar with the local blend of tobacco could also be a memento from St. Vincent. There are also a few dozens of rum sorts here on the island which you buy as well. Rum is highly popular around islanders. Moreover, it’s a typical pirate drink, and people here like everything connected with privateers. Apart from it, you can buy a real pirate frigate in miniature, an almost original ducat, an eye patch, a pirate costume, a three-corned hat, and many many other stuff connected with sea and sea robbers (e.g. toy parrots of any colour and size).

Paintings by local artists – mostly depicting sea, sun, and local scenery – are extremely beautiful. The best time for shopping is from 9.00am to 4.00pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, most of the stores work only before noon; on Sundays, only large networks of shops work. Even though it’s possible to pay in American dollars here, still it’s better to exchange your money into East Caribbean ones. And remember that the most favorable prices are in those points which are far from tourists (the same is about gift shops). If you have an intention to take some local fruit back home, we would advise you to go to any large market early in the morning. It would be much cheaper than buying the same products in supermarkets.