Shopping in St. Martin

[Slyfox16]

Does anyone have suggestions on where to go shopping in St. Martin for liquor, jewelry or unusual items. Sclevin@aol.com

[CaribbeanBlue]

The shopping district of St Maartin is wonderful. Start at one end and visit each one, store by store. The delft shop is fun, the belgian chocolate shop is a must do. The Guava berry shop is unique. The jewelry is world class. Stop in at Shiv Sagar for lunch for a wonderful treat!

 

CaribbeanBlue

 

http://www.*****.org

[Clasina]

Yup, do Front street from one end to another. Shivsagar serves some of the best Indian food I've had anywhere, including India! And it's airconditioned and immaculate. :p

[alley524]

I never got much past Joe's Jewelry. :) Careful on the streets over there......I saw two people get hit/bumped by cars trying to cross the road. Nobody got seriously hurt, just be careful!

[gtaylor]

Does anyone have suggestions on where to go shopping in St. Martin for liquor, jewelry or unusual items. Sclevin@aol.com

 

We have to say that unless you're looking for Paris Fashions, then look on Front Street, Philipsburg, St. MAARTEN!

 

For unique, I'd suggest the Guavaberry shop on Front Street, or if you're looking for carved wood check behind the Courthouse in the stalls, or if you have the chance, the Marigot Market on Wednesday or Saturday mornings. Great herbs, spices and sauces available as well. Also on Front Street, off to the Right from the Courthouse towards the walk back to the pier, is Greenwith Gallery. A great selection of local and Caribbean art.

 

I'd suggest that Tablecloths and Table Linens are a GREAT value here. There are several locations to check out right on Front Street, and I'd shop for what you're looking for, as opposed to price. Hint: If you're there right after a holiday there will be plenty of great markdowns to get you ready for next year.

 

For liquor, I'd suggest you know the price on board, and then starting at the Courthouse and walking to the Left (facing) and just pop in and check the price of the specific products that you're interested in along the way. Check liquor stores AND jewelry stores (loss leaders) along the way until you get at least as far as Splash (on the right). Check your notes and buy your stuff on the walk back. Can't fail. If you're heading the other way from the Courthouse keep an eye out, as well, usually in the small alleyways and passeges, but you should know the prices on the ship and elsewhere on the street.

 

For jewelry, it's kind of the same story. You need to be well educated in what you're shopping for, especially if something high value, like diamonds. Do a lot of homework at home. Arrive well educated. Shop at home with all the special sales that they always hold like half off, or 'we pay the sales tax' offers, and if you see something in an ad that you like, cut it out and take it with you to St. Maarten. Then shop store-to-store.

 

When you get to this point, you have to either compare apples-to-apples or give it all up because a special piece just blows you away, and other considerations come in to play.

 

After all of that, all regular St. Maarten visitors will have their own special place to shop for jewelery. For us it is Trident and Shiva's, located across from each other on Front Street, and run by the now third-generation of the family. We've been very happy shopping there for more than 15 years, and have never been disappointed.

 

They are approved by the Caribbean Gemological Institute and they are one of only two Jewelers in the Caribbean to be classified as a 'Leading Jewelers' of the World.

 

The reconfiguration of Front Street makes it a LOT more pedestrian friendly.

 

Questions?