Top 8 Places to Shop In the USVI

The U.S. Virgin Islands are filled with opportunities to spend time lounging on the beach or enjoying your favorite aquatic activities. Of course, a trip to any of the main islands wouldn’t be complete without doing a little shopping on the shore.

Whether you’re looking for a unique art piece to bring home to hang on your walls or want to pick up a bottle of wine for a romantic dinner, you’ll find everything you need in USVI shops. Adding these six hot spots to your itinerary will ensure you never have to search for the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and beach life essentials.

USVI Shopping Overview

Next to snorkeling and sunbathing, shopping might be the top activity to enjoy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vacationers can’t help but want to pick up souvenirs to bring home to their family and friends, and you’ll find t-shirts, magnets and more within the most popular shops.

If you happen to arrive at one of the islands without enough sunscreen or just want to pick up a fun swimsuit, you’re in luck. The best shopping areas also have all the essential items that you’ll need to take part in your favorite family activities. As a matter of fact, you can even pick up some groceries to pack for a family friendly beachside picnic. 

8 Best Places to Shop In the USVI

One of the reasons why people flock to the USVI is because each island is set up with all the conveniences you need to enjoy your stay. On top of lodging that puts you a stone’s throw away from some of the best USVI activities, you’ll find farmer’s markets, malls and general grocery stores that provide you with a way to create your desired experience.

Whether your goal is to spend a few hours shopping for high-end items at the mall or want to sample some locally-grown produce, you’ll find that this list of options represents the best shopping areas to make your dreams a reality.

The Marketplace

Located right in the heart of Cruz Bay, St. John, the Marketplace is the go-to spot for St. John shopping areas. Here, you’ll find the popular Starfish Market, which is known as the largest and best supermarket in the area.

With the option of either direct delivery or in-store pickup, you can stock your villa without wasting any time that you could be at the beach. Or you can opt to peruse the market yourself to explore the unique baked items and fresh produce that are all available for you to enjoy.

The Marketplace also has fine art galleries, boutiques and eateries that are conveniently located to popular lodging options. With a drugstore and salon, you’ll feel like you are staying in your own little mini-town during your vacation.

Havensight Mall

The Havensight Mall is conveniently located near the cruise ship dock in St. Thomas, which means that it is set up to provide tourists with various shopping options. On top of being able to book excursion tours or rent a vehicle here, you can enjoy duty-free shopping for perfume, cosmetics, jewelry and souvenirs.

Keep in mind that this mall has more of a touristy feel compared to the Marketplace due to its proximity to the cruise ships. Still, it’s a fun place to shop when you’re exploring St. Thomas.

The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande Marina

The biggest draw to this St. Thomas shopping area might be the marina, but you’ll also find some top-name brands here that you’d likely see at your local mall back home. During your time on land, it’s worth taking a moment to check out the shops to find the perfect sundress for a beachside photo shoot. Or, you might want to grab a designer pair of sunglasses if you forgot to bring some for the boat.

Following your shopping trip, you can also dine at one of the local bars or restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest seafood around. Since you’ll be at the marina, you can also book the chance to go parasailing or free diving to round out your adventures on the island.

Oceanique Creations

Bringing home a little chunk of the USVI just got easier when you factor in this little gem to visit during your St. Croix shopping trip. Oceanique Creations offers beautiful handmade jewelry curated from authentic St. Croix sea glass and shells. With the promise that no two pieces are alike, you’ll be able to enjoy wearing unique jewelry at the beaches here and at home.

With such amazing craftsmanship, you’ll find that the necklaces and bracelets in the shop are perfect for gift-giving upon your return home. Just make sure to pick up a few pieces for yourself, too. The gorgeous sea glass complements any style of beachwear, and you’ll feel like a true islander with one of these baubles accessorizing your favorite outfit.

Cane Roots Art Gallery

The Cane Roots Art Gallery is recognized for being a center of cultural expression for the local artists in St. Croix and other USVI communities. A visit to the art gallery is always a new experience since the exhibits and program offerings vary throughout the year. The gallery store also offers unique paintings and other forms of art depicting the history of the islands that you can add to your collection at home. 

Mongoose Junction

Mongoose Junction is another fun, upscale St. John shopping area that offers a variety of different types of experiences. If you’re looking for the perfect beach read, then you might want to stop by the art gallery meets bookstore and bar that’s located here. At the Bajo El Sol Gallery & Art Bar, poetry readings, author talks, and other immersive experiences are often taking place, which are worth adding to your plans.

Alternatively, you can shop for locally made textiles at one of the other local stores in this shopping hub. Whether you’re looking for a handmade basket or bowl to showcase at your home or want to pick up a contemporary outfit that helps you blend in with the locals, you’ll find all that you want and more within the shops lining the junction.

Crown Bay Center

When you’re looking for one of the most well-known USVI shopping experiences, the Crown Bay Center in St. Thomas might be one of the most frequently visited hubs of activity. The commercial complex is filled to the brim with retail stores, restaurants and vendors offering services that include sightseeing tours and aquatic excursions.

While cruise ship passengers tend to be the largest group of visitors, local residents also visit the shopping center to enjoy the many events that occur throughout the year. From listening to a local musician to sampling delicious home-cooked meals, there’s always something new to experience at Crown Bay.

As a little shopping tip, you’ll want to remember that the wide variety of items here means that you might find yourself buying more souvenirs than you can easily carry. If you plan to spend the day exploring St. Thomas, then arrange to do your shopping here at the end of the day to avoid having to carry large bags from one sightseeing location to the next.

St. John Spice

As your trip draws to a close, you might already have a few dishes that you’ll miss once you go home. Many visitors fall in love with the culinary delights they enjoy during their stay on St. John, and you don’t have to leave those delicious flavors behind.

At St. John Spice, you’ll find herb blends and rubs that you can take home to recreate your new favorite dishes. While there, you can also pick up some of your favorite Caribbean coffees to enjoy at home, along with jerk spiced caramels, rum cake and other island treats. While you may not be able to stay in the USVI forever, you can at least go home with some tasty souvenirs to remind you of the fun you had.

Start Planning Your USVI Shopping Trip

Now that you know the top places to enjoy some fantastic island shopping, it’s time to start picking out the ones you plan to visit. Make sure to add a few shops that are near your villa or suite, which makes it easy to pop into one to pick up a bottle of wine or some treats for breakfast. Then, add a few more from the other islands you plan to visit to give you several places to explore for trinkets that remind you of the time you spend in the USVI.

Book Your Luxurious Stay at Marketplace Suites

Thinking of enhancing your USVI shopping experience? Make it memorable with a stay at Marketplace Suites, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Cruz Bay, St. John. As one of the top-rated hotels near Cruz Bay, our suites promise a blend of spaces and affordability. Not only are you steps away from vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment, but our central location also places you close to the inter-island ferry dock and a variety of outdoor activities.

But don't just take our word for it! Our guests consistently rate us between 4.5 to 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Expedia. Experience it for yourself – if you're planning a trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands and desire a boutique hotel experience, check our availability and book your suite today.