25 Best Places to Shop in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Background Illustration for Shopping

St. Thomas lives up to its billing as a duty-free shopping destination. Even if shopping isn't your idea of how to spend a vacation, you still may want to slip in on a quiet day (check the cruise-ship listings—Monday and Sunday are usually the least crowded) to browse. Among the best buys are liquor, linens, china, crystal (most stores will ship), and jewelry. The amount of jewelry available makes this one of the few items for which comparison shopping is worth the effort. Local crafts include shell jewelry, carved calabash bowls, straw brooms, woven baskets, and dolls. Creations by local doll maker Sally George—like her school-uniformed West Indian children and Mocko Jumbie dolls—have been little goodwill ambassadors, bought by visitors around the world. Spice mixes, hot sauces, and tropical jams and jellies are other native products.

On St. Thomas, stores on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie are open weekdays and Saturday 9 to 5. The hours of the shops in the Havensight Mall (next to the cruise-ship dock) and the Crown Bay Commercial Center (next to the Crown Bay cruise-ship dock) are the same, though occasionally some stay open until 9 on Friday, depending on how many cruise ships are anchored nearby. You may also find some shops open on Sunday if cruise ships are in port. Hotel shops are usually open evenings as well.

There's no sales tax in the USVI, and you can take advantage of the $1,600 duty-free allowance per family member (remember to save your receipts). Although you can find the occasional salesclerk who will make a deal, bartering isn't the norm.

Cardow Jewelers

Fodor's Choice

You can get gold chains in several lengths, widths, sizes, and styles, along with jewelry made of diamonds, emeralds, and other precious gems from this small chain's main store. You're guaranteed 40% to 60% savings off U.S. retail prices, or your money will be refunded within 30 days of purchase. There's also a line of classy commemorative Virgin Islands watches made on-site. You'll also find branches at the Cyril E. King Airport; Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; and Crown Bay Center.

Fruit Bowl

Fodor's Choice

This grocery store is the best place on the island to go for fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many ethnic, vegetarian, and health-food items as well as a fresh meat area, a seafood department, and an extensive salad and hot food bar.

9400 Wheatley Center, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-774–8565

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Zora's

Fodor's Choice

This store specializes in fine, made-to-order leather sandals, boots, belts, and shoes. There's also a selection of locally made backpacks, purses, and briefcases in durable, brightly colored canvas.

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Belgian Chocolate Factory

This store makes its beautiful chocolates before your eyes. Specialties include triple-chocolate rum truffles. You can find imported chocolates here as well. Both the homemade and imported delectables come in decorative boxes, so they make great gifts.

5093 Dronningens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-777–5247

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Caribbean Surf Co.

There's something for every beachgoer, surfer, and sunbather at this local, family-owned surf store. Billabong, Oakley, and Reef swimwear, sunglasses, and sandals are available for adults and children, as well as surfboards and surf gear. There is a second location at Havensight Mall.

6500 Red Hook Plaza, Suite 205, Red Hook, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-774–3583

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Cost-U-Less

This is the Caribbean equivalent of Costco and Sam's Club and it sells everything from soup to nuts—in giant sizes and case lots—without a membership fee. The meat-and-seafood department, however, has family-size portions. There's a well-stocked fresh-produce section and a case filled with rotisserie chicken and baked goods.

Rte. 38, Estate Annas Retreat, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-777–3588

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The Crystal Shoppe at A. H. Riise

This retailer specializes in all that glitters, from Swarovski and Waterford crystal to figurines by Hummel, Daum, and Royal Copenhagen, and china by Belleek, Kosta Boda, and several Limoges factories. There's also a large selection of Lladró figurines.

37 Main St., Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-777–2222

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Diamonds International

Havensight

At this major chain shop with three outlets on St. Thomas, just choose a diamond, emerald, or tanzanite gem and a mounting, and you can have your dream ring set in an hour. Famous for having the largest inventory of diamonds on the island, this shop welcomes trade-ins, has a U.S. service center, and offers free diamond earrings with every purchase.

Diamonds International

At this large chain with several outlets on St. Thomas, just choose a diamond, emerald, or tanzanite gem and a mounting, and you can have your dream ring set in an hour. Famous for having the island's largest inventory of diamonds, this shop welcomes trade-ins, has a U.S. service center, and includes diamond earrings with every purchase. Other branches are at Crown Bay Center and Havensight Mall.

Fabric & Fashion Playroom

Silks and fancy fabrics share space with colorful batiks, African Kente, and Caribbean madras prints, ribbons, and accessories in this small shop off the beaten path.

Food Center

This supermarket sells fresh produce, meats, and seafood. There's also a bakery and a deli with hot and cold prepared foods, which are the big draw here, especially for those renting villas, condos, or charter boats in the East End area.

Rte. 32, Estate Frydenhoj, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-777–8806

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Little Switzerland

This popular Caribbean chain carries crystal from Baccarat, Waterford, and Orrefors; and china from Kosta Boda, Rosenthal, and Wedgwood. There's also an assortment of Swarovski cut-crystal animals, gemstone globes, and many other affordable collectibles. The Main Street location features separate boutiques showcasing timepieces from Omega, TAG Heuer, Patek Philippe, David Yurman, and Breitling. A branch at the Crown Bay Center is open when ships are in port, and there are also locations in Havensight Mall and at the Ritz Carlton.

5182 Dronningens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
248-809–5560

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Luryx Duty Free

This giant duty-free outlet carries a large selection of liquor, cordials, and wines as well as cologne and perfume, cosmetics, cigarettes, and travel gear.

37 Main St., Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-244–5616

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Mango Tango

This gallery sells and displays works by popular local artists—originals, prints, and note cards. There's a one-person or multiple-person show at least one weekend a month.

Moe's Fresh Market

Located near the dock for the ferry to St. John, this gourmet market has the island's best deli cheeses; prepared-to-order subs and selection of organic foods, coffees, and wines. Two other locations are at Yacht Haven Grande near the cruise ship dock in Havensight and at the corner of Waterfront Drive and Espanole Strade in Charlotte Amalie.

6502 Smith Bay Rd., Red Hook, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-693–0254

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Mr. Tablecloth

This store has prices to please, and the friendly staff here will help you choose from the floor-to-ceiling selection of linens, which include Tuscan lace tablecloths, Irish linen pillowcases, and lace jackets.

5180 Dronningens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-774–4343

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Plaza Extra

This large, U.S.–style supermarket sells everything you need from produce to meat, including fresh seafood, a deli, and a bakery. You can find Caribbean ingredients and there's a liquor department, too.

Rte. 38, Tutu, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-775–5646

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Pueblo Supermarket

This Caribbean chain carries stateside brands of most products—but at higher prices because of shipping costs to the islands.

Subbase, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-774–4200

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Rolex Boutique at A. H. Riise

A. H. Riise is the official Rolex retailer of the Virgin Islands, and this shop offers one of the largest new and pre-owned selections of these fine timepieces in the Caribbean. The on-site service center helps buyers keep their Rolex ticking for a lifetime.

Tobacco Discounters

Havensight

This duty-free outlet carries a full line of discounted brand-name cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco accessories.

Rte. 30, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-774–2256

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Tradewinds Galleria

Caribbean Hook bracelets, made of sterling silver or 14k gold, are the pieces to buy at this marina-located shop. You can also find rings, necklaces, and pendants.

6100 Red Hook Qtr C14, Red Hook, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-775--5595

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Trident Jewels and Time

Fine gems and exquisite timepieces are the draw at this second-generation family-owned boutique. You'll find loose diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and tanzanite as well as name-brand watches such as Ulysse Nardin, Harry Winston, Franck Muller, Bovet, Jaquet Droz, Bell & Ross, U-Boat, and Graham.

Jewels

Head here for name-brand jewelry and designer watches in abundance. Locations also at Havensight Mall, Crown Bay Center, and the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.

38 Dronningens Gade (Main St.), Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
248-809–5560

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Little Switzerland

The major Caribbean duty-free chain carries crystal from Baccarat, Waterford, and Orrefors; and china from Kosta Boda, Rosenthal, and Wedgwood, among others. There's also an assortment of Swarovski cut-crystal animals, gemstone globes, and many other affordable collectibles. It also does a booming mail-order business; ask for a catalog.

Local Color

Havensight

Local Color has clothes for men, women, and children among its brand-name wear such as Jams World, Fresh Produce, and Urban Safari. There's also St. John artist Sloop Jones's colorful, hand-painted island designs on cool dresses, T-shirts, and sweaters. Find tropically oriented accessories such as big-brim straw hats, bold-color bags, and casual jewelry.

Rte. 30, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
340-776–5860

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