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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 what 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 out the great shopping centers of Grand Cayman.
Check out our Shopping Directory for Shops and Locations
Bring your wallet and your must-have list because shopping in Grand Cayman is easy and offers big bargains. The variety and prices of the merchandise may well tempt you into a shopping spree. Famous designer goods, representing many well known brands, are on display and sold at duty free prices which are significantly discounted from the price you would expect at home.
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 a very popular purchase in Grand Cayman. Among a wide selection of notable watch brands that set lower prices compared to the US and Europe are:
• Rolex
• Tag Heuer
• Omega
• Breitling
• Ebel
• Gucci
• Technomarine
• Cartier
West Shore Shopping Center, on West Bay Road along Seven Mile Beach, has almot everything your inner shopping maven desires. It is a perfect place to do some last minute shopping before going home. Also on West Bay Road are the Galleria Shopping Plaza, 7 Mile Shops and Queen's Court plaza, all containing upscale boutiques and galleries. There are also unique and beautifully-made handicrafts on offer at the Cayman Craft Market on South Church Street in George Town. Island Companies Ltd. is known for duty free retailing on the island. Be on the lookout for toucans beside their store entrances because that's a sign of 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 not surprising why rum cake is the biggest and most famous export of the Cayman Islands. Tortuga Rum Company's many branches are located at popular tourist sites around the island. Their Original Rum, Coconut, Blue Mountain Coffee, and Banana are just some of the many delectable rum cake flavors you can enjoy. There’s also mouth watering Rum Fudge and other delicious food items. If you can't visit a Tortuga Rum Company store, you can find these soft, spongy, strong-flavored cakes almost everywhere on the island. The cakes are sold in several different sizes and the stores give free samples of their product.
Shopping for Crystals and Jewelry in the Cayman Islands
 Jewelry stores can be found on almost every corner. And on some corners, you’ll find several jewelry shops. These shops boast exquisite collections that feature the beauty of Caymanite, gold, sterling silver and diamonds, Tanzanite and other gorgeous gems. Black coral pieces can also be found for sale, but American visitors should check on import restrictions before trying to bring a piece back home.
The Lalique Boutique has crystal jewellery and furnishings and Lladro Boutique has porcelain figurines. Both are located in Kirk Freeport’s Bayshore Mall and each also has its own stingray-themed pieces. For fine English china and Irish crystal don't miss the Waterford and Wedgwood Boutique in 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 and other Goods in Grand Cayman
Because of its nearness to Cuba, Cuban goods can also be bought in Grand Cayman. Check out Puro Rey for various Cuban items. Cuban cigars are not allowed to be imported into 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. Photography equipment is an especially good bargain in Grand Cayman. Or if you fancy sunken and hidden treasures, you can search the shops for treasure coins and other antiquities. Most are restored and cleaned and some are mixed with other elements to form modern antique designs.
Grand Cayman offers a unique shopping adventure that any shopping buff would enjoy. From shopping for products that scream Caribbean, to buying elegant gifts for your loved ones, to bringing them a small token such as rum cake -- everything you crave 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 experience the next time.
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George Town
