Shopping in Barbados
Barbados is without a doubt one of the best islands in the Caribbean to enjoy some retail therapy. As well as having a wonderful selection of shops to choose from, it is also established as a Tax Free Haven so many of the prices are up to 30% less then you might find in the US, Canada or Europe. There are particularly good savings on jewellery, watches, cosmetics and designer wear. In order to avail of the tax free prices, you will need to present both your passport, immigration departure slip and travel details at the time of purchase.
The main shopping areas are in Holetown and Bridgetown. Holetown in particular has several great distinct and different areas for shopping. These are the Limegrove
Lifestyle Centre, The Holetown Chattel Village and the Cave Shepherd Mall. The best area in Bridgetown to undertake a bit of retail therapy is on Broad Street.
The Limegrove Lifestyle and shopping centre is a wonderful addition to Barbados. It is a really beautifully designed shopping Mall featuring extremely upscale and well known designer brands as well as trendy bars, restaurants, delicatessens, a high definition cinema, art gallery and medical centre. In addition, The Limegrove centre hosts various events such as art shows, wine tastings, live entertainment and cultural displays.
There are three distinct and lovely courtyards which are interconnected via a covered walkway. The courtyards include The Garden Court, The Palm Court and the Water Court. Each one is unique so when you are wondering through the centre, each corner feels quite unique.
SHOPS
- Pure Source
- La Suite
- Q Stylist Opticians
- Sun Collection Designer Eyewear
- Hugo Boss
- Bruna Konnections
- Crocs
- Atera Beauty Spa
- Mozaic
- MAC Cosmetics
- Nina Thomas
- Pearson’s Pharmacy
- Bvlgari
- Diamonds International
- Crown of Light
- Mont Blanc
- The Jewellers by Colombian Emeralds International
- Breitling
- IWC Schaffhausen
- Jaeger – Le Coultre
- Krackerjack
- Kidz
- Monkey Puzzle
- Sea Reinas
- Sundek
BARS
- La Casa del Habano
- Lemongrass
- Lime Bar
- Opa
- A Taste of Greece
- Quench Juice
- Relish
- Epicurea
CAFES
- House of Jaipur
- La Casa del Habano
- Lemmongrass
- Lime Bar
- Limegrove Cinema
- A Taste of Greece
SHOPS
- Louis Vuitton
- Michael Kors
- Ralph lauren
- Gatsby Boutique
- Always Summer
- Dimance a Paris
- Vilebrequin
- Chopard
CHATTEL VILLAGE
Located in Sunset Crest in Holetown, the Chattel Village offers a really lovely selection unique and novelty shops. They comprise of a very colourful collection of chattel houses which are set in beautiful tropical gardens. The atmosphere is that of an authentic Chattel village with lots of pretty and colourful wooden houses.
Chattel houses have a very interesting history in Barbados. They were originally built during the early plantation days. The word chattel refers to a movable wooden house. This allowed the owners of the plantation to move the chattel houses depending on where they required their works. The houses were set on blocks and made out of wood and nails.
But of course the best part of the Chattel Village is the actual shops. There is a great range of shops to choose from including The Best of Barbados Gift Shops, The Gourmet Shop, Ganzee T Shirt Store and also several really good boutiques and swim wear shops.
One of our personal favourite boutiques is Beth and Tracie. It is full of beautiful resort and holiday wear. You will find some fabulous and unique fashions for the beach, poolside dining and for evening too. They also have a really good selection of one off pieces of semi precious jewellery. Another favourite is Lola Beach which is an absolute treasure trove of designer swimwear and accessories. They have some really unusual
and also well known brands such as Melissa Obadash, Kiwi St Tropez, Heidi Klum, and Elizabeth Hurley.
The Chattel village is located within walking distance of everything in Holetown but if you are driving, there is plenty of parking. There is also a bus stop directly outside the village which will bring you just about anywhere you would like to go up and down the West coast.
If you fancy a bite to eat during your shopping trip, then Just Grillin is a great option. They serve a variety of salads and wraps and only use the freshest of ingredients. It is about the most delicious and healthiest fast food you will find anywhere. There is also a very nice Cafe Bar called Carizma where you can enjoy a refreshing coffee or a drink. Café Carizma is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they do also serve great tapas in the evenings and sometimes have live music.
The West coast mall offers a variety of different shopping. One of the largest supermarkets on the West Coast is located here called Super Centre. You will definitely be able to find all your groceries and fresh fruit and vegetables here. They also have quite a large pharmacy within the shopping centre. Cave Shepherd and Diamonds International also have branches here. There is a book store, a variety of gift shops, a bank and several cafes.
Bridgetown which is also the capital of Barbados is particularly good for tax free shopping. The best area to visit is Broad Street.
One of the most popular and well known shops on Broad Street is the Cave Shepherd Department store. It has been in business for over 100 years and offers everything from liquor, cosmetics, electronics to toys and jewellery. But do remember to bring your passport or photo ID to avail of the duty free prices. Other well known brands in Bridgetown are the Harley Davidson Store, Diamonds International, Little Switzerland and The Royal Shop.
The largest Mall in Bridgetown is called the DaCostas Mall. Here you will find an extensive selection of tax free shops offering designer handbags jewellery, cosmetics, mobile phones, beachwear, china, crystal and fashion. There is also a good health store and a Mall Mart supermarket within the mall.
GRANTLEY ADAMS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
If you have forgotten that all important present on your vacation by the time you leave, all is not lost as there is a very good selection of shops at Grantley Adams Airport. There are some excellent duty free shops with the same brands you will find in both Holetown and Bridgetown. Colombian Emeralds, Cave Shepherd and Diamonds international all have outlets. There is a best of Barbados shop which is a good place to find a gift. There is also a Harley Davidson shop at the airport.
