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It's true that the island sparkles with its myriad outdoor activities—diving, snorkeling, sailing, swimming, and sunning—but shopaholics are drawn to the sparkle in the jewelry stores. The huge array of stores is almost unrivaled in the Caribbean. In addition, duty-free shops can offer substantial savings—about 15% to 30% below U.S. and Canadian prices—on cameras, watches, liquor, cigars, and designer clothing, but not always, so make sure you know the U.S. price of anything you intend to buy to know if you're actually getting a deal. Stick with the big vendors that advertise in the tourist press, and you will be more likely to avoid today's ubiquitous fakes and replicas. On both sides of the island, be alert for idlers. They can snatch unwatched purses.
Prices are in dollars on the Dutch side, in euros on the French side. As for bargains, there are more to be had on the Dutch side; prices on the French side may sometimes be higher than those you’ll find back home, and the fact that prices are in euros doesn't help affordability. Merchandise may not be from the newest collections, especially with regard to clothing, but there are items available on the French side that are not available on the Dutch side.
A fixture on Front Street for more than 30 years, Zhaveri has a huge selection of loose diamonds, jewelry, watches, and gifts, plus designer handbags from Hugo Boss, Georgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Kartell, Furla, and Carmen Sol, as well as jewelry pieces sold nowhere else on SXM. They pay no fees to cruise lines, which makes their pricing highly competitive.
One of the most popular jewelry stores on the island, Ballerina has jewelry by Tacori and Pandora, and watches by Bell & Ross, Franck Muller, and other luxury brands.
Visitors come for free samples at the small factory where the Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company sells its famous liqueur. The many versions include one made with jalapeño peppers. Check out the hand-painted bottles. The store also sells a gourmet barbecue and hot sauce collection and souvenir hats.
Come here to buy fine jewelry, crystal, and china; they carry many top brands. They have two stores in Philipsburg on 2 Front St. and 80 Front St., and one in Marigot on Rue de General de Gaulle.
These beautifully made, tailored clothes have an elegant attitude.
On Rambaud Hill between Marigot and Grand Case, this gallery is managed by the daughter of the late artist Alexandre Minguet. It carries original paintings, lithographs, posters, and postcards depicting island flora and landscapes by Minguet and is a popular tourist attraction on the island. Call before visiting to be sure they're open.
Specializing in diamonds, this store carries loose diamonds, jewelry, and watches.
With multiple SXM outlets, this chain stocks a little of everything: colorful hammocks, handmade jewelry, and local guavaberry liqueur. But the main store has the largest selection.
Contemporary Caribbean artists showcased here include Paul Elliot Thuleau, who is a master of capturing the sunshine of the islands, and Nathalie Lepine, whose portraits show a Modigliani influence. This is a serious gallery with some very good artists. It's open 10–1 and 5–9 daily.
The trendy beach attire, artsy accessories, and souvenirs are fun to try on and buy here. They're open until 9 pm, which means you can shop here before dinner.
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