Shopping in Barbados

When they want a break from the beach, many visitors go shopping in Barbados! Barbados has a wide variety of shops, everything from small privately owned craft stores to large multi-national duty free retailers, casual open-air markets to elegant air-conditioned plazas.

Jewellery, watches, crystal, cameras, audio and video equipment, and fine fragrances are available duty-free with prices up to 50% off. When making a duty free purchase you must present your passport or travel documents then take your purchase with you or have it delivered to the airport for pick-up when you leave the country. Visitors to Barbados can also shop tax-free for up to one year after their visit if shopping by mail order.

Harrison's and Cave Shepherd are the two biggest department store destinations when shopping in Barbados. Harrison's has nine locations, including Broad Street, Hastings Plaza, the airport and various hotels. Cave Shepherd has locations in Bridgetown, DaCostas Mall, Sunset Crest, the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal, and the airport.

Duty-free shopping for jewelry and gemstones is also available at Columbian Emeralds, Columbian Jewel, The Royal Shop, Correia's Jewellery, Jewellers Warehouse, Diamonds International, and Little Switzerland.

Columbian Emeralds has locations in Bridgetown, the airport, and the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal. They provide a full guarantee on all their products, plus free 90-day insurance for damage, loss or theft, and certified appraisals on jewelry and gemstones.

Visit the Royal Shop for watches; manufacturers include Rolex, Omega, Cartier, etc. they also stock a selection of jewelry, silver and gemstones.

Correira's Jewellery specializes in loose diamonds, gemstones, and gold and every stone comes with an appraisal certificate from one of the certified gemologists on staff.

Jewellers Warehouse is a unique store with a traditional atmosphere and friendly service. Purchases are all guaranteed and certified.

When shopping in Barbados for fashion and accessories visit Colours of De Caribbean in Bridgetown, while Gatsby with nine boutiques along the west coast and in Bridgetown is the place to shop for designer clothing, shoes, swimwear, jewelry and accessories.

One of the joys of shopping in Barbados is finding unique objects hand crafted by island artisans. Island artisans sell fine arts and collectibles at craft fairs held throughout the year and at Daphne's Sea Shell Studio, Earthworks Pottery, Fairfield Pottery and Gallery, Iron Gardens, and Pelican Village.

Many hotels are also home to small stores carrying a wide array of local crafts and designer fashions, and many villages and towns have stores carrying unique island crafts, as well as cigars, liquor, and collectibles.

Shopping in Barbados is not limited to Bridgetown. Several smaller towns like Holetown in St. James and Speightstown in St. Peter feature craft shops and gift shops. Several shopping malls and plazas are also located outside of Bridgetown. Chattel Village shopping areas are becoming increasingly popular in Barbados. They feature shops in housed in traditional chattel house style, and sell souvenirs, gift items, clothing and local arts and crafts. You can find these chattel house villages at Holetown, St. James and St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church.

Shopping Hours

When shopping in Barbados stores are generally open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., or 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 or 2.00 p.m. on Saturday. Most stores are closed on Sunday.

The beaches are beautiful but shopping in Barbados provides a unique and interesting alternative.