The Turks and Caicos Shopping Experience

Turks and Caicos shopping is not the main reason most vacationers come to the Islands. They come to enjoy the beautiful beaches and to get plenty of sun by playing golf, snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing or by just lounging the day away on the beautiful white sands of Grace Bay.

But really what is a vacation without a little shopping? The best thing about Turks and Caicos shopping is that it is duty-free, so you are sure to find many bargains that will delight even the most ardent shopper.

You will find the best spots for Turks and Caicos shopping on Providenciales, especially Ports of Call, Salt Mills Plaza, Central Square and Caicos Plaza.

Whether you are looking for a new bathing costume, a unique painting, a souvenir T-shirt, designer jewellery, antiques or locally made craft products, you will not go home empty handed.

If it is genuine Turks and Caicos Island made products you want look no further than the Turks and Caicos National Trust Shop located in the Town Centre Mall. They stock locally made straw and palm woven items, such as baskets, bags, bowls and hats.

They also sell pottery pieces; one-of-a-kind hand printed rock iguana T-shirts for adults and children and nature greeting cards. But their most unique products are homemade, reversible dolls made from bright Caribbean fabric that will captivate any young girl’s heart.

The Bamboo Art Gallery at the Caicos Cafe Plaza in Grace Bay is a wonderful haven for art lovers.

Within this gallery you will be surrounded by colourful Caribbean paintings from local artists, including Phillip Outten, and international artists, including Ben Oduma from Haiti.

The gallery also stocks wood and metal sculptures that capture the true spirit of this vibrant island. Purchasing one of these art works will ensure that you always have a piece of the Turks and Caicos Islands in your home.

A Turks and Caicos shopping experience would not be complete without purchasing one piece of exquisite jewellery from Jai’s located at the Regent Village.

Jai’s has the finest selection of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches, sunglasses, fragrances and crystals. It is home to premium brands such as Armani, Dior, Gucci, Hugo, Chanel, Rolex and Lalique.

At Jai’s you will also discover the magnificent conch pearl collection made from the rarest pearl that is unique to the Caribbean Sea.

Conch pearls are very desirable because of their rich and swirling display of colours ranging from whites to pinks and from creams to chocolate browns.

If you forgot to get something for someone special back home, don’t stress because you can purchase wine, liquor, champagne, and both Cuban and Dominican cigars right at the airport.

Turquoise Duty Free Shop is conveniently located in the Airport Departure lounge so that you can do last minute shopping on the Turks and Caicos Islands before your plane departs.

No holiday would be complete without a remarkable shopping experience. So when you plan your trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands be sure to include time for shopping – you won’t be disappointed with all the treasures that you will find.

What I think you will be happy with is that you won't find the same old stuff on your Turks and Caicos shopping spree that you can find in any Walmart or chain store back home.