Stores, Malls or Markets in The Bahamas

If you look, you can buy locally made goods at the marketplace or straw market. Besides T shirts, jewelry, and imported English goods, there are small water colors, saris, straw items, Bahamian coins and stamps, carvings etc.

You have to look carefully at the labels though to avoid buying stuff that's made in China or Mexico or Thailand. (If you want something that's made in Mexico there's no reason not to buy it - just be aware that it's not a local product.)

What to buy: The photo is from the map of Grand Bahama which has ads for various businesses. This photo is of a business called "animale"

There are also shops along Bay Street in Nassau which sell local products

Many cruise lines feature Nassau as one of their ports of call, so there are many shopping options available to tourists, from cheap souvenir stands to exclusive and expensive boutiques.

Most of the shopping activity in Nassau takes place on Bay Street, the city's main thoroughfare. The street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Shoppers can choose between small shops specializing in local merchandise and crafts such as leather goods, brass, antiques, clothing, linens, beauty products, perfumes, and fine art. Many high-end shops such as Gucci, Fendi, and Coles cater to wealthier visitors and locals. Another popular type of store features Cuban cigars. Cuban goods, including cigars, are forbidden in the United States, so many visiting Americans are willing to pay for over-priced Cuban cigars from one of the many tobacco shops lining Bay Street.

The most popular tourist attraction off Bay Street is the Straw Market, which is a good place to buy baskets and other arts and crafts made of straw, as well as other cheap souvenirs of the islands.

Because most of the shops cater to the tourist trade, they can be over-priced, but items such as alcohol, cigars, and certain brands of clothing are generally cheaper than in many cities.

I am not much of a shopper, but it was fun to wander along Bay Street to look at some of the merchandise available for sale.

The crew members were more than happy to let me go behind the scence and choose my own drink to make, they even help me make it and you know what? It turned out great, don't remember much after that one! Kidding, but that is another job I would like to apply for-alcohol, sun, cruising and meeting new people - who wouldn't???

The market has just about everything you expect to see at a market like this ,Straw hats ,Straw Bags, Bahama T- shirts (He Mon).Shells Sponges Scarfs ,etc ,Etc,
It is always fun to bargain with the local vendors, and try to make your best deal.
The Sraw Market is a fun place to , if you like shopping and can take the crowds.

What to buy: T- Shirts and Straw bags were our favorites items.

What to pay: As I mentioned earlier think about what you think the item is worth and than haggle with the vendors , they are used to,it and it can be fun.

Make sure you check out the straw market. Its a great, just don't do it while smoking! Sadly it has gone up in flames before.

What to buy: I bought a coin purse that said 'Bahamas' on it. They have everything from hats to purses.

What to pay: Very little, I think I only spent a few US dollars.

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The Marketplace was a great place for Souveniers. They have a lot of handmade crafts and you can get a really good deal if your willing to negotiate. I got a purse, some towels, morraccas, jewelry and a really pretty photo album. Can't beat the prices.

Hot as Hell....Literally...Because of it's enclosure, which to me resembled a huge warehouse with a thatched roof- it is a huge fire hazard and has been burned to the ground before because of the heat from the sun and all of the goods inside...

Basically it is a huge hot warehouse with tons of people selling the exact same thing..Some will bargain with you, some won't..... Your best bet, just go to a shop and buy things....Also, make sure you shop at reputable venders...The last thing you need or want is to get back to wherever and try and show off your Louis Vutton- which is deemed Louis Crappon because you got duped.

What to buy: They have tons of purses and handbags.

What to pay: 10 dollars and up if you can bargain you might make out.

They sell all sorts of items at this marketplace. But make sure you bring pic ID, it is also the new check in and check out point when you get off of a cruise as it is right off the pier where they dock. Its sad that when I went the first time, this was not part of the security measures that are taken now. That was pre 9/11. You also have to check in whatever you buy on board ship, as at the airport, past security conveyor belt.

What to buy: Most of the shops have this Coconut Rum, be warn, most everyone you give it to will love it. They sell it in many different flavors, but coconut seem to be the fav, so buy extra.
If you have freinds who love spicy food, pick up several bottles of their spicy hot sauce at the market off the pier after you dock. Great bargains. It wasn't there the first time I went, but they've turn it into quite a shopping mall

What to pay: I didn't pay much for the rums, I think maybe $3 and change for the ints and $5 for the bigger bottles. The hot sauces were $2 and change.