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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.