Shopping in Grenada

Supporters of local businesses will not want to miss a chance to shop in Grenada.  Many of the best products available are sold by vendors who have set up shop for themselves selling goods that they love – form spices to handicrafts.

The Goods

When you visit an island called the “Spice Isle,” it is almost required that you return home with a variety of local spices.  Vendors willing to sell you baskets filled with bay, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg, and vanilla are situated practically on every corner, so finding these items will not be an issue.  These spices are also constantly used to create other products, such as jellies and jams, aloes to soothe sunburns, toiletries, candies, and alcohol.  Grenada's rum is a special breed, made with local sugar cane and spiced for a unique flavor.

Outside of the spice industry, local crafts that are popularly sold include batiks, coral jewelry, fabric dolls, leather work, screen printed textiles, wood carvings, and woven baskets made from palm fronds. 

Where to Shop

When shopping in Grenada, go in with a plan of action.  There are two shopping malls on the island, one in Grande Anse, and the other in St. George's.  There are a number of vendor markets in both towns, but souvenir shops and art galleries line the streets of St. George's in particular. 

Espalande Mall is one of Grenada's two main shopping malls.  There are over 50 stores here, many of which offer duty free shopping.  Jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, perfumeries, and craft shops are all a part of the complex.

At the foot of Young Street in St. George's is Market Square, a popular open air market that sells an array of products.  This is a great place to pick up your ubiquitous basket or spices, or crafts made by local artisans.  The market is open Monday through Saturday, with Saturday being its busiest day of the week, especially before noon.

The Spiceland Mall and Grande Anse Vendor Market, both located on Grande Anse Beach, feature space for local vendors to sell their wares and produce.  Spiceland Mall has 19 shops, while the Vendor Market has space for 80 booths. 

There are also a number of independent shops you won't want to miss out on, that sell everything from toiletries made from local spices, to hand printed linens, and a number of other products. Since one-third of the island's shopping industry is dependent upon vendors who set up shop wherever there is need, if will be your job to hunt them down, and make a stop when you see something of interest.

Duties, Taxes, and Tips

The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC), though the United States Dollar (USD), credit cards, and travelers checks are widely accepted.  Still, since you are likely to be dealing with small vendors, converting your money upon arrival on the island would be most convenient for everyone.

There is plenty of duty free shopping to be had in Grenada, though far fewer than major cruise ports like the Bahamas and St. Thomas, USVI.  Visitors will typically find products are 20 to 40 percent cheaper in Grenada than back home.

While the practice of selling goods from a small vendor booth lends itself to the ideal of bargaining for your purchases, this is not common in Grenada, and can be considered rude. 

It is important to know the local terminology when you purchase spices in Grenada.  Below is a list of common slang that should be aware of:

• Saffron - tumeric
• Sweetie – candy
• Vanilla – essence of tonka beans (a vanilla subsitute)

Business hours in Grenada vary from those in the United States.  Most shops are open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.  Do not expect to spend a Sunday shopping, because most places will be closed. 

When traveling, souvenir shopping is a given, but Grenada makes the practice into a whole new experience.  Nowhere else will you find vendors who care so much about their products.  Take your time, smell the spices, and pick out a few trinkets to take back home to show off to your friends.