Shopping in Saint Lucia Guide
This is our shopping in Saint Lucia guide from large supermarkets to smaller stores. If you are visiting the island one thing to remember is that many of our goods are imported and you might not get the same large range as back home.
For a more authentic shop, visit the local markets and smaller stores around the island.
Shopping Malls: Modern Retail Hubs
Saint Lucia has several shopping malls that offer a mix of international and local brands. These hubs are ideal for those seeking a modern retail experience, combining air-conditioned comfort with a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Baywalk Mall in Rodney Bay is the most prominent shopping destination on the island. This two-story mall houses over 30 stores, offering everything from fashion and electronics to home goods and jewelry. The casino there is not longer open but and there is a rooftop restaurant, Matthews which has great lobster when in season and great cocktails.
Opposite Baywalk Mall is another shopping center, JQ Rodney Bay Mall, located nearby. It offers a more intimate shopping experience with a curated selection of boutiques and essential services like a pharmacy, bank, and supermarket. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals for everyday errands. There is a food court on the top floor.
For those in the south, the Vieux Fort Plaza serves as a convenient spot for basic shopping needs. Though smaller in scale compared to the malls in Rodney Bay, it provides essential services and a few retail stores catering to the local community.
Supermarkets: Everyday Essentials
Supermarkets shopping in Saint Lucia is a shopping quest. If you manage to find everything on your list in one store you are very fortunate! Just like shopping in Barbados, you may need to visit a few stores.
Massy Stores, the largest supermarket chain on the island, has multiple locations, including prominent outlets in Castries, Rodney Bay and Vieux Fort. Known for its clean, well-organized aisles, Massy Stores offers a comprehensive selection of groceries, household items and even a deli section for quick meals. You can find international brands alongside Caribbean staples like plantains, breadfruit and cassava flour.
Massy Gourmet is based in the Baywalk Mall, Rodney Bay and will a slightly different range of products and gourmet items. If you are looking for gluten-free products and a wider range of cheeses, this is the store for you.
CPJ – Caribbean Producers St Lucia Ltd have two branches, one in Cul De Sac and one in the Orange Grove Plaze, Bois d’Orange. They seem to stock more slightly more local produce, fish and meat than Massy’s are reasonable priced. Their imported products will differ too. Great for regular promotions too.
For well priced vegetables, fruit, spices and household cleaning products, Suzie’s Variety in Bois d’Orange is a must visit. I enjoy their blocks of Paneer as they are the only store on the island to sell it. There is a smaller store in Vieux Fort but is not as well stocked.
Glace Supermarkets – A medium sized store based in Marisule which will have fresh bread daily and reasonably priced local products. Serves the local communities in the area well and worth a pop in for the essentials.
PCD Food Mart – A distributor of large brands that also has a small supermarket in the S&S Plaza, Bois D’Orange, Castries and Vieux Fort. Good value for money.
Admac in the north of the island is a must for cheeses, coffee and other delicatessen items. A personal favorite for their dried mushrooms and chocolate covered coffee beans!
The Market Place, based in Rodney Bay Marina is a mini grocery store with a great selection of wine and spirits you may not find in the major supermarkets as well as a small selection of fresh and dairy items. They have some great imported items that vary monthly, so it’s a must pop in to see if anything is new. They are my only source of lupini beans on the island too!
Gourmet Food, Wine and Restaurant
The light at the end of my shopping challenge tunnel, especially as a food blogger is Faye Gastronomie Caraïbes who are based across from the Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort in the south of the island. They have the BEST selection of cheeses on the island, along with fresh fruits, vegetables and French bread, pastries, quiches and other tasty treats imported weekly.
With an amazing selection of wines and spirits, they also have an amazing restaurant featuring the finest French cuisine on the island and a Sushi bar.
They also deliver their produce which can be a life saver if you are in an AirBnB. Or a food blogger needing her fix of cherry tomatoes!
Local Markets: The Heart of Saint Lucian Culture
No trip to Saint Lucia is complete without a visit to its vibrant local markets. These bustling hubs are not just places to shop but also to immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and community spirit.
The Castries Market, located in the capital city, is the largest and most famous on the island. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional Saint Lucian clothing. The market is a sensory feast: the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon mingles with the vibrant colors of tropical produce, creating an unforgettable experience.
Helen’s Daughters has a great FarmHers Market on the Aquatic Center Grounds, in Rodney Bay monthly, but check for dates on their website or social media. There’s a great range of local vegetables and fruit, homemade soaps (which I thoroughly recommend) and delicious local food to be enjoyed.
The Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party, though primarily a nightlife attraction, also features local artisans selling crafts, jewelry, and artwork. It’s an excellent opportunity to pick up unique items while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of the island’s most popular events.
In the south, the Vieux Fort Fish Market offers a glimpse into the island’s fishing traditions. Early in the morning, you can watch fishermen bring in their catch, ranging from tuna and mahi-mahi to the much-loved red snapper.
Smaller community markets, like those in Soufrière or Dennery, provide a more intimate experience. Here, you can interact directly with farmers and artisans, gaining insight into their trade and traditions. Choiseul has a great fishing market with a vibrant community feel.
Small Local Stores: Hidden Gems
Saint Lucia’s small local stores are where you’ll find the true essence of the island’s charm. These shops, often family-owned, offer a personalized shopping experience that larger establishments can’t match.
Handmade Souvenirs and Crafts
For unique souvenirs, visit stores like Eudovic’s Art Studio in Castries, which showcases the intricate wood carvings of renowned Saint Lucian artist Vincent Joseph Eudovic. Similarly, Choiseul Art Gallery, located in the scenic village of Choiseul, is a treasure trove of locally made pottery, paintings, and jewelry.
Local Food and Spices
Stores like Vendor’s Arcade in Castries are perfect for picking up authentic Saint Lucian spices, hot sauces, and other culinary delights. These small shops often stock locally made products that you won’t find in larger supermarkets.
Fashion and Accessories
Island Mix in Rodney Bay is sadly no longer open but all of the locally designed clothing and art can be purchased at the new store on Pigeon Island by the National Trust.
The Corner Boutique & Cafe in the Rodney Bay Marina is a great store for shopping for ladies clothes, jewelry and enjoy a coffee or light lunch.
Convenience Stores
For quick snacks, toiletries, or late-night essentials, corner stores known as “mini-marts” are scattered throughout the island. These shops, though small, are invaluable for their accessibility and convenience.
Tips for Shopping in Saint Lucia
- Bargaining: While fixed prices are common in malls and supermarkets, bargaining is customary in markets and small shops. Be polite and respectful when negotiating for the best deals.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Choosing to buy from local vendors and artisans not only ensures you get authentic products but also supports the island’s economy.
- Know the Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, but many places also accept US dollars. Supermarkets no longer accept $100 USD notes. However, it’s wise to carry small denominations for market transactions.
- Eco-Friendly Shopping: Saint Lucia has been trying to reduce plastic waste. Bring a reusable shopping bag, as many stores charge for plastic bags.
- Check Opening Hours: Most malls and supermarkets operate from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but local markets often start early and close by mid-afternoon. Stores in the south of the island are not open as late. Especially on a Sunday.
