Where to Shop in the Cayman Islands

When visiting or living in the Cayman Islands, shopping is necessary! With George Town as the main port, it is incredibly convenient for tourists arriving on cruises to access a variety of shops and experiences. George Town, Grand Cayman, has an expansive range of goods and services, from luxury goods to items to surprising bargains and everything in between. There are some fantastic secondhand resellers as well, such as Careys Carma Closet at Buckingham Plaza, across from Watercolours Luxury condos; you may even find a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes or a Herve Legre dress. Looking for a Chanel evening gown or a Prada pantsuit? You may find it here!

Duty and Duty-Free

When shopping in Grand Cayman, you'll want to be aware of duty charges. Duty-free things are Luxury Watches & Jewelry (Rolex, Cartier, etc.), high-end perfumes and cosmetics, designer Sunglasses, cameras, caymanite jewellery, crystal, and coffee, to mention a few things. Everything else is charged at around 22% duty on the islands. Here are some of the best spots for both locals and visitors!

Locally Owned Stores

Cayman Craft Market is a vibrant market featuring local artisans selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs that reflect the island's rich culture. Check out Camana Bay on Wednesday, as they have the farmers' market and many crafts for sale. This is a wonderful place to browse while enjoying the sunshine and atmosphere of a Caribbean island. The next stop should be The Cayman Islands National Museum Gift Shop since this shop also supports local artists who browse unique handcrafted items and educational materials about the island's history. If you love local artwork, you must pass by The Ritz Carlton and the walkways across to the beachside display loads of artwork that change every month. The charming boutique offers locally made products, perfect for those looking to take a piece of the island home. Most of the time, you can find what you want in one place, such as when you shop at Bayshore Mall or walk along Harbour Drive in George Town!

And, of course, you would expect to see and shop in the Duty-Free Shops located throughout George Town, and these shops offer a variety of souvenirs that never disappoint. If you are staying on the island, it is wise to go downtown after all the cruise passengers leave for the day, usually around 3 pm, as it will not be so crowded. Plenty of small stores sell clothing, beachwear, and accessories catering to tourists and residents. It is a drive to West Bay, but make sure you do not miss Hell's Gift Shop, famous for its quirky souvenirs; this gift shop is a chain favourite among visitors looking to grab unique mementos. You can also send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends or foes!

Luxury Shopping

But George Town also features high-end brands and boutiques such as Lulu's, Tag Heuer, and Cartier for those looking to indulge. Kirks Freeport started in 1972. Check out the history about them here.

We must not forget the other premier luxury boutiques offering designer perfumes, accessories, and stunning jewelry. Located in the heart of George Town, these well-known stores provide a shopping experience that rivals major international cities.

Shopping in One Spot

If you are like me, you like having all your shopping in one place. Bayshore Mall delivers on that front, but make sure you go to Camana Bay. They sell everything from clothing to kitchen supplies. You can also pick up a Starbucks coffee, browse the new novels at the bookshop, and get an ice cream or gelato while you peoplewatch. While walking to spend the day at the beach, you will pass by the Seven Mile Beach strip, which has many clothing stores, especially those selling swim and resort wear, and you will also walk by stores that sell books, sports equipment, and jewelry. Some plazas along West Bay Road are Galleria Plaza, Seven Mile Shoppes, West Shore Plaza, Regency Court Plaza and Buckingham Plaza.; Cayman is also growing, so keep watch for the new Harbor Walk development in South Sound because it has a Mediterranean restaurant and bakery and an Anytime Fitness.

Where will you shop in the Cayman Islands?

Almost everyone loves shopping, and at Engel & Volkers, we are experts in everything Cayman Islands. So, whether you are looking for shopping tips, restaurant recommendations, or real estate advice, we have you covered. Check out our other articles about restaurants, where to stay, and where to buy, or contact us today to start looking for your dream property! Happy shopping in the sun!