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Imagine what it would be like if downtown New York, London, or Paris were just short strolls from white sand beaches with turquoise seas. That’s exactly how shopping in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean feels like – and more. Grand Cayman is the largest among the three islands that form the Cayman Islands, the most loved beach destination of beach enthusiasts, divers, and shoppers across the globe. Read the useful tips below before shopping in the great shopping centers of Grand Cayman.
Check out our Shopping Directory for Shops and Locations
Bring your money bags and your must-have list because shopping in Grand Cayman may cost you a fortune. Lots of merchandise may tempt you into a shopping spree. Most people say that store prices in Grand Cayman can be extremely expensive. However, if you know about the high costs commanded by designer goods, you would be amazed by how much you can save.
Grand Cayman: Shopping for Watches and More
George Town, the island's capital, and Seven Mile Beach, both on the western part of the island, are the premier places for shopping. There are many specialty stores and establishments that are right next to each other. Kirk Freeport, for example, has several malls located in George Town. These malls are a shopping mecca of designer goods. You can find cosmetics, perfumes, bags, and other leather goods with famous luxury brands like the following:
• Estee Lauder
• MAC
• Chanel
• Bvlgari
• Fendi
• Tumi
• Lancel
• Longchamp
Watches are very wise purchases at Grand Cayman. Among a wide selection of notable watch brands that set lower prices compared to the US and Europe are as follows:
• Rolex
• Tag Heuer
• Omega
• Breitling
• Ebel
• Gucci
• Technomarine
• Cartier
Queen's Court Shopping Center, on West Bay Road at Seven Mile Beach, has about everything your shopping list desires. It is a perfect place to do some last minute shopping before going home. Also on West Bay is West Shore Shopping Center and Galleria Shopping Plaza that houses upscale boutiques and galleries. There are also unique and beautifully-made handicrafts available at the Heritage Crafts Shop in the capital. Island Companies Ltd. is known for duty free retailing on the island. Be on the lookout for toucans beside store entrances because that's a guarantee for great service and major savings on your shopping list.
Cayman Islands’ Rum Cakes
Have your cake and liqueur it, too! Made without preservatives from ingredients including oak barrel aged Tortuga Gold Rum, New Zealand anchor butter, fresh whole eggs and imported walnuts, it is surprising why rum cake is the famous export of the Cayman Islands. Right across West Shore Shopping center, rum cakes are sold in one of Tortuga Rum Company's many branches on the island. Rum Fudge, Original Rum, Coconut, Blue Mountain Coffee, and Banana are just some of the many delectable rum cake flavors you can enjoy from this company. If you can't visit Tortuga Rum Company stores, these soft, spongy, strong-flavored cakes are sold almost everywhere on the island. Rum cake stores give free taste and samples of their product. They also come in different sizes and various flavors added to complement the kick you get from the rum.
Shopping for Crystals and Jewellery in the Cayman Islands
Jewellery stores can be found on almost every corner. Shops boast exquisite collections that feature the beauty of caymanite, gold, sterling silver and gorgeous gems. Black coral pieces can also be found on sale but they are rare and endangered so you probably should not buy them.
The Lalique Boutique has crystal jewellery and furnishings and Lladro Boutique has porcelain figurines. Both are also in Kirk Freeport Bayshore Mall and each also has its own stingray-themed pieces. For fine English china and Irish crystal don't miss the Waterford and Wedgewood Boutique on the Kirk Freeport Cardinall Avenue area.
Artworks in Grand Cayman
It would not be a complete Grand Cayman shopping experience without paying a visit to the boutique of Bernard Passman in George Town. Passman creates masterpieces using coral and as a testament to his talent, his works are even owned by British royals as well as the Pope.
If you are in the market for island-made art, there are many art and photo galleries you can visit, as well as personal galleries of Caymanian artists. Admire the artworks by Charles Long, Gladwyn Bush aka Miss Lassie, Cathy Church and Canadian-born Joanne Sibley to name a few. Even if you're not in the market, you're free to browse through their ateliers but it's imperative that you call ahead so they can accommodate you.
Cuban Goods in Grand Cayman
Because of its nearness to Cuba, Cuban goods can also be bought at Grand Cayman. Check out Puro Rey for Cuban items. Cuban cigars are not allowed to be imported to the US though so you'll have to smoke all your cigs while you lounge at the beach. The Cayman Islands, being a British territory, also offers great deals on British goods. You can save more if you buy photography equipment in Grand Cayman. If you're looking for sunken and hidden treasures, you can skip the arduous adventure and just search the town for unearthed trinkets. Most are restored and free of gunk while some are mixed with other elements to form modern antique designs.
Grand Cayman offers a unique shopping adventure that any shopping buff would yearn for. From shopping for products that scream Caribbean, to buying gifts for your loved ones, to bringing them a tiny token of memory like the rum cake -- everything your island shopping list craves is right here. The whole experience of visiting the colorful shops, of scrutinizing every wonderful product to the tiniest detail, of walking further down the road to look for the cheapest prices is one of a kind – something that would make you want to come back, and have an all new different experience once more.
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