Shopping in Barbados

Vacationers in Barbados with high class sensibilities will be thrilled to browse through the endless selection of brand name goods at discounted prices.  Throw in the often duty-free and tax-free prices, and many vacationers find themselves in retail heaven. 

The Goods

High end goods from Great Britain are the most sought after products, do to their high quality and low prices.  These items include cameras, china, clothing, crystal, jewelry, perfume, and watches.  Cashmere and tweed are especially popular on the clothing front.

If you are looking for souvenirs made directly in Barbados, top choices include black coral jewelry, leather work, pottery, and woven wall hangings.  Don't forget those souvenirs that you can snack and sip on.  Locally distilled rum, rum cake, Bajan seasoning, sweet bread, tamarind balls, and hot sauce are some favorites.

Where to Shop

Bridgetown

The capital city of Bridgetown is the retail center of the island. 

The cruise ship terminal at Bridgetown Harbour is frequented by cruise ship passengers who have made port for a day or so.  There are 20 duty free shops, 13 local shops, and many more vendor booths in the area.

Pelican Crafts Center, on Harbour Road, has about 20 craft shops, making it a popular place to go for people looking for locally made items.  This location is commonly spoken of as a tourist trap with overpriced items, but if you know what you're looking for, it can be a great place to shop.

Cave Shepard is a chain of duty free shops with branches located throughout the island. The biggest branch, however, is located in Bridgetown.  Here you will find name brand clothing and perfumes, jewelry, makeup, and more.  This main branch is located in the Vista Shopping Complex which is a mall housing stores that many Americans will be familiar with, such as Victorias Secret and Mac. 

If jewelry is what you are after, take a stroll down Broad Street.  There is a cluster of large jewelry chains located along this road. One of the largest shopping malls on the island, DaCosta's Mall, is located amongs the jewelry stores. 

Heading out of Bridgetown you will pass Coconut Walk and Quayside Centre, both of which are known for shops that sell designer swim and surf wear. 

Holetown

Shopping in Holetown can be a little pricey, but the finds are often high quality,and worth the extra change.

Chattel Village is a popular shopping center for locals, and provides a picturesque setting for your shopping experience.  Once traditional chattel houses, the buildings have since been transformed into colorful boutiques, featuring everything from jewelry shops to clothing stores.

The Limegrove Lifestyle Center is a new addition to shopping in Barbados, having just opened in 2011.  There are dozens of duty free shops featuring name brand materials, and cafes and restaurants.

Another of the aforementioned Cave Shepards is located in the West Coast Mall, along with a number of other duty free and specialty shops.  At the center of the mall is a popular cafe, and scattered throughout the building are small vendors who will likely sell you products for cheaper than the other shops in the mall.  Sunset Crest Mall is yet another location where you will find a Cave Shepards.

Other Locales

Oistins is a fishing village in Barbados.  No, the area is not known for its high-end or duty-free shopping, but, locals do set up vendor booths here, filled with their handmade wares.  This is a great place to find authentically Bajan products.

North of Holetown is Speightsontown, is a lively shopping area, not quite on par with the shopping in Bridgetown, but certainly similar to what is available in Holetown.  There are craft shops, jewelry emporiums, clothing boutiques, and souvenir stores in the area. 

Off ABC Highway in Christ Church is the Sheraton Mall which features over 70 specialty shops, a food court, and a movie theater.

Duties, Taxes, and Tips

Duty free is the name of the game when it comes to shopping in Barbados.  Vacationers can often find items for between 20 and 40 percent less in Barbados than they would back in their hometown, but you have to know when to spot a good deal.  As you shop, you'll notice that there are three prices listed for each luxury: duty free item – one is the local price with tax; another is the local price without taxes; and the other is the price without tax in United States Dollar (USD). 

If you wish to make a duty free purchase, you will have to present a passport and plane or cruise ticket.  Upon purchase, you will receive two copies of the receipt, one for you, and one to turn into customs at the airport.  If you wish to purchase duty free items such as liquor and cigarettes, it must be done in the airport, to ensure that you do not consume your duty free product while you are on the island.

The multitudes of shopping centers in Barbados mean that no matter where you go, you will be able to take a shopping break.  Pick up a few souvenirs to bring home with you – whether it be some clothes or jewelry made by your favorite designer, or handicrafts made with love by local artisans.  These items will provide you the opportunity to look back and remember your time spent on the island every time you pull them out.