Photo Credit: Anthony Quintano

Since it is an island, most products on St Lucia are imported. To buy something that has originated in St Lucia, purchasing local artwork and crafts may be best. The three best shopping destinations on the island are Castries, Gros Islet, and Soufriere. If you are in Castries you can head to the Eudovic Studios, about 10 minutes’ drive away from the city in Goodlands. Here you can view and purchase art sculptures and furniture crafted from native wood. Another great place to head is Caribelle Hilltop House, also located just outside Castries. This is a 100-year old house and museum, as well as an artisan workshop where you can buy handcrafted ‘batik’ (wax-resist dyed cotton) and screen-prints.

Another place in Castries to buy arts and batik is Caribelle Batik. Here you can watch the artists design batik and silkscreen prints, and they also design unique clothing and household items. If you are in Gros Islet you can shop in a modern mall called JQ’s mall. Africarib Arts and Crafts is a store offering a great range of authentic African and Caribbean artworks. Those interested in more painted art can go to the Caribbean Art Gallery in Gros Islet, located at Rodney’s Bay. This gallery features some antique maps and prints, as well as more modern work from Llewellyn Xavier, the most renowned artist from St Lucia. Perhaps a good souvenir to buy here is a small painted silk square of the ‘Fleur de St Lucie’ (the flower of St Lucia). The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Duty-free shopping is also available for tourists at some locations. As well as at Hawanorra Airport, if you produce your passport and show your tourist stamp you can make duty-free purchases at JQ’s Mall in Gros Ilet, or La Place Carenage and Pointe Seraphine, both in Castries.

Castries market offers a different shopping experience. In this 100-year old established market you will find many souvenir products, such as island memorabilia, local spices and foods, and freshly caught fish is also on sale here.

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