In addition to the big brands you’ll see in Gustavia, including Hermès and Cartier, the most interesting type of shopping in St. Barth is discovering local boutiques that focus on high-quality, naturally sourced products in typical Caribbean style.
Shopping in St. Barts is a must, simply because it’s a duty-free island and there are over 200 boutiques to choose from. Many designers have moved to St. Barth from France after gaining experience in the fashion world as stylists or designers. If you’re looking to shop on one of the Caribbean islands, these are the boutiques for you!
Important to know: St Barts stores generally close for lunch between 12 and 3 pm. They then stay open until 7 p.m. You’ll find that they also close on Wednesday afternoons.
Shopping at St Barts: jewelry at the Cheval Blanc boutique Saint-Barth, in the Baie des Flamands
It’s no surprise to find intoxicatingly printed Pucci bikinis and Givenchy bags in the LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc St-Barth boutique, or a limited-edition watch from the hotel’s collaboration with Dior. But there are other discoveries to be made too: delicate necklaces with astrological symbols by local designer Donna del Sol, freshwater and saltwater pearls, and abalone shell charms.
Pati St Barts in Gustavia: among the best women’s, men’s and children’s clothing boutiques in Saint-Barthélemy
At Pati De St Barts, you’ll find all kinds of locally inspired outfits in the concept store located in Gustavia and St-Jean. The style is casual, with pieces made from natural fabrics, including organic cotton and pima cotton from Peru, or sweaters in lightweight cashmeres. It’s a must if you’re shopping as a couple, a family or simply for yourself!
Shopping at La Case Piment Vert – Made-to-measure household linen
We highly recommend La Case Piment Vert for bed linen, towels, tablecloths…etc. Owner Valérie is incredibly dedicated to designing fabrics that are technically and biologically suited to our environment, while retaining the relaxing aesthetic of the Caribbean. Discover the collection of bath linens in natural bamboo fiber, linen, organic cotton, cashmere, silk cotton, Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, American cotton and antibacterial cotton. You can also order made-to-measure linens from Valérie.
Lolita Jaca, the West Indies’ hyper-fashion boutique: women’s clothing
Lolita Jaca is a local brand that perfectly reflects the Saint-Barthélemy lifestyle. The bohemian style is inspired by designer Faby Jaca’s travels around the world, from Asia to Europe. Very casual, yet ultra-chic, Jaca’s creations are lightweight, making them ideal to take on the go. You’ll love the details, including hand-worked embroidery and refined craftsmanship. You’ll find beautiful silk tunics and crochet dresses that you’ll love to wear on your beach vacation.
Baya – Home accessories
The owner, Sonia, has placed a large photo of her grandmother, Baya – a Tunisian Berber woman – draped in traditional Tuareg fashion. The store is filled with accessories from all over the world: Portuguese candles, Bolivian textiles, Moroccan cushions, Egyptian lighting and more. Even if you’re not into interior design, Baya is a wonderful store that will give you a whiff of inspiration.
For beautiful interiors and more, the Clic Concept Store
The latest project from Christiane Celle, founder of cult beachwear brand Calypso, Clic is a concept store featuring homewares, art, books and dazzling framed photographs by Anne Menke, Leila Jeffreys and Celle’s husband Antoine Verglas. The coveted burlap and leather Market Bag is handmade and supports artisans in Bangladesh.
Ceramics at Les Petits Carreaux workshop
Belgian artist Véronique Vandernoot, who has lived in Saint-Barth for over 20 years, runs the ceramic workshop Les Petits Carreaux, where visitors can make their own creations or simply buy a gift. Véronique is best known for her beautiful ceramic panels. These are evocative painted tiles in primary colors that are easy to spot. They are displayed all along the sandy paths leading to the shore. Versions of these panels are on sale in her boutique, along with mugs and coasters.
Ligne St. Barth, natural beauty products
LIGNE ST BARTH is the local boutique par excellence for top-quality beauty products. This family-run business has been around for thirty years and is passionate about using exclusively natural ingredients and floral fragrances that will have you breathing the Caribbean air. Made locally in St. Barth, you’ll be able to take home beauty products that truly come from the island.
Among the few products made on the island, Ligne St Barts cosmetics use natural ingredients such as frangipani flowers, sugar cane and mango butter. Co-founder Hervé Brin draws on his Breton and West Indian heritage, dating back to 1648, working with the herbs and medicinal plants his grandmother added to her concoctions. Best-sellers include nourishing avocado oil, exfoliating papaya shower cream and mint aloe vera gel, which can be used as after-sun or aftershave.
Casual looks at the Toiny boutique
At Le Toiny beach club, just behind the lunch tables between the palm trees, is the hotel’s boho-beauty boutique. Housed in a low stone building said to have been used by smugglers in days gone by, it sells Lisa Maree crocheted dresses, Tracy Watts fedoras, Mint & Rose espadrilles and LeMar swimwear. Fashion shows were held here to the cult tune of Blondie’s “Call Me”.
Surf chic at Free, St Barts
Free In St Barts is the perfect place to find a souvenir that’s not cheesy, with slogans that match the spirit of the island (“Cool by the pool”). This beach-shack-style boutique is built from recycled wood and offers jersey sportswear with motifs of sunsets, waves and seagulls; the brand even has its own surf team. A must-have is the embossed hoodie, to slip on after a morning swim in the sea.
Poupette St Barts, ready-to-wear for women
Founded by Poupette Giraud in 1995, Poupette St Barts is another local brand that evokes the freedom and casualness of local St. Barth style. Here you’ll find endless tunics and dresses that pair well with beach life by day and romantic dinners by night. Poupette was the founder’s childhood nickname, and the store breathes the story of a woman who arrived in St. Barth in 1979 and opened her own clothing boutique. She also owns a famous restaurant on the island: Le Tamarin. True to the idea of Joie de Vivre, the style offered by Poupette St Barts is at once romantic, practical and chic.
