If you are looking to do some serious shopping then you should head to Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados. This is located on the south coast of the island in the parish of St. Michael. The main street for shopping in Bridgetown is called Broad Street, where you will find department stores such as Cave Shepherd who sell clothing for men, women, and children.
They also have a wide range of electronic goods, all of which can be purchased at duty-free prices, which can save you up to 50% of what you would expect to pay in your home country. One thing to be aware of is that most of the goods have originated in the USA so these goods may not work in your home country if you are from Europe.
In Cave Shepherd, you will also find cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, accessories, handbags, and shoes. It is a great place for choice and you are sure to find some excellent gifts and souvenirs to take home.
The Royal Shop
Just along from Cave Shepherd on Broad Street, you will find The Royal Shop, who are leading jewelers who sell designer watches such as Mavado, diamonds, and ornaments such as fine Italian figurines, all of these can be purchased at heavily discounted duty-free prices.
Also on Broad Street, you will find Da Costa’s Mall, which is home to Tiffany and Co, the renowned New York jewelers. Here you will find unique pieces and matching sets of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets again at reduced duty-free prices.
Da Costa’s Mall is also home to Little Switzerland, where you can buy ornaments of distinction, jewelry and watches. These goods are a fraction of what you would normally pay and they stock brands such as Lladro, Lalique, Breitling, Omega, Rado, Tag Heuer, Zenith, and Chimento.
For ladies clothing, you will find a boutique in Da Costa’s Mall called Dingolay. They have an excellent range of clothing for both formal and casual occasion with the focus on Caribbean living and temperature. They also have a great selection of shoes and handbags.
Da Costa’s Mall is well worth venturing into off Broad Street, as you will find a food court, where you can take the weight off your feet and plan where you are going next. It is fully air-conditioned and there are many stores selling electronics, souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry so you are sure to find what you are looking for in one of the many stores.
On Broad Street, you will also find two of the island’s leading jewelers, which are Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds. Both stores offer exquisite pieces at duty-free prices so if you are buying jewelry for a special occasion such as an engagement, wedding or anniversary then you can choose your precious stone and the design in which you would like it set, and have your piece custom made for you.
Colombian Emeralds
Behind Broad Street, you will find Swan Street, which is a favorite with locals for clothes and shoe shopping. The stores here offer fashion items at very discounted prices and this is where Bajan’s head to buy their outfits for a night out in Barbados.
The beauty of shopping in Bridgetown is that you will find many designer items at discounted prices alongside street vendors selling local art and crafts, which make great souvenirs to take home.
If you are specifically interested in buying local craft, then you should head to the Pelican Craft Centre, which is located in Bridgetown, next to the Cruise Terminal.
Here you will find a number of studios, where you will see the craftsmen at work. Here you can buy art, leather goods such as handbags, wallets and belts, woodcarvings and many other unique crafts, which make ideal gifts and souvenirs of your trip to Barbados.
If you arrive in Barbados on a cruise ship then you will also find a good shopping area within the cruise terminal building.
Shop in Bridgetown Barbados for discounted duty-free prices on Broad street.
Author: Brett Callaghan
