Cayman Shopping 

A trip to the Cayman Islands would not be complete without doing some serious shopping. The majority of stores in Cayman take both local and United States currency, major credit cards and traveler's cheques in order to accommodate visitors and residents. Cayman shopping opportunities include many popular stores, shops and centres, and all items manufactured in the islands, such as local art, crafts, jewellery and rum cakes, are duty-free. The following is a guide to the best shopping destinations in the islands.

The Strand Shopping Centre

The Strand Shopping Centre is located on West Bay Road in the Seven Mile Beach area of Grand Cayman. One of the most popular destinations for islanders and tourists looking to shop 'til they drop, this mall is home to stores like Tortuga Rum, Blackbeard's Liquor, Polo Ralph Lauren and Kirk Freeport, which sells upscale china and crystal. The Strand Shopping Centre is also home to many bank branches for those looking to pay using cash.

Seven Mile Shops

Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Shops occupy a central location nearby the famous beach of the same name. A popular area, this destination offers many exceptional boutiques, shops and high-end stores for tourists to explore and enjoy. The Seven Mile Shops feature upscale stores like Sapphire and Tortuga, but also a selection of restaurants for hungry shoppers such as Paradise Sushi, Icoa and Bamboo Palace.

Galleria Plaza

The Galleria Plaza, also located on West Bay Road in Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach, is commonly referred to as “the blue plaza” by islanders, who gave it this nickname after it's gorgeous colour. This shopping centre is home to a range of shops, with products ranging from exotic home accessories to Oriental rugs, Indonesian furniture, t-shirts, swimsuits and other more typical souvenirs. There are also several galleries for locals and tourists to browse and purchase international and Caymanian artwork.

George Town

George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman, is a bustling tourist hub known for its amazing shopping opportunities. The primary junction for those looking to truly experience what the islands have to offer, you can find nearly anything in downtown George Town. High-end jewellery stores like Magnum Jewellery offer unique pieces for those looking to purchase something sparkly, while stores such as Artifacts Ltd and the Craft Market offer local products, gifts, antiques, prints, coins and handmade ceramics. Photographs, prints, paintings and other art can be found at a number of eclectic galleries and, if you're looking for island-style clothing, Arabus and Blue Wave are great George Town options, with children's items being sold at Atlantic Kids. Walk Good Cayman is the exclusive island dealer of Havaianas, the casual flip flops that islanders swear by.

 

Camana Bay

Camana Bay is a Grand Cayman town that stretches between Seven Mile Beach and North Sound. Pedestrian-friendly, complete with landscaped paths and beautiful natural scenery, it is home to not only unique shopping but also exciting restaurants, entertainment and attractions. Camana Bay's Town Centre offers a number of local and international shops in one convenient place. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday and close between 7 and 9pm. Visitors are able to browse food, home accessory, appliance, book, clothing, glasses, cosmetic, jewellery, swimwear and footwear stores, and there is a bank, salon and spa and optometry practice on-site. The Town Centre also offers gift cards.

Souvenirs

Souvenirs are a staple of any good vacation, and Cayman is home to so many unique island items that choosing can be difficult. The Blue Iguana Souvenir Outlet is located on South Church Street along the waterfront in downtown George Town, Grand Cayman. Open 6 days a week, they offer an extensive selection of souvenirs and gifts. The items available include clothing, such as t-shirts, hats, sundresses, shoes, ornaments, mugs, shot glasses, jewellery, cameras, frames, key chains, magnets, film and assorted other memorabilia. They accept cash and major credit cards. The Blue Iguana Souvenir Outlet also has a sister store, 2Blue, which is located in George Town's Waterfront Centre and sells a similar range of products.

Island Companies

Island Companies was launched in 1978 and has since grown to boast 18 duty-free stores across Grand Cayman. They sell many brands of jewellery, diamonds, designer sunglasses and watches, cigars and more, much of which is imported from around the globe. The brands available include Alix and Ani, Gurhan, John Hardy, Pandora, Swarovski, Tacori and Thomas Sabo. Island Companies is known in Cayman for their 90-day global return policy, which makes shopping a hassle-free and simple experience.

Art Galleries

For tourists interested in art produced by local Cayman artists, there are many galleries in the islands that sell both prints and originals. Guy Harvey's Gallery and Shoppe is located in George Town and they sell many types of artwork, such as prints and paintings, as well as clothing, accessories and gifts. Unique underwater photographs can be found at Cathy Church's Underwater Photo Centre and Gallery, where tourists can also purchase cameras, film and related products and take underwater photography lessons. The Kennedy Gallery, Pure Art Gallery and Bodden Town Art Shop are just a few more outstanding locations that sell beautiful art to take home with you.

Caymanite

The Cayman Islands are known for their beautiful Caymanite jewellery. Found in the eastern end of Grand Cayman and beneath the Cayman Brac Bluff, Caymanite is popular due to its layers of metallic earth tones that are simply dazzling when the rock is cut and polished. Caymanite is used to craft jewellery and carvings that are completely unique to the islands. If this is on your shopping list, you can find Caymanite goods at the Craft Market, the Market at the Grounds, Pure Art and the Cayman Islands National Museum gift shop, where there is also a fascinating Caymanite display.

Whether you're looking for art, jewellery, clothing or traditional souvenirs, the multitude of stores and shopping centres in the islands means you'll find that perfect item quickly and easily. Explore George Town and Camana Bay, popular towns in Grand Cayman, or one of the many shopping malls, which make visiting several stores in one afternoon a breeze. Island Companies offers the best duty-free selection of goods in the Caribbean and the art galleries are home to one-of-a-kind prints, paintings, sculptures and other pieces that represent island life.