The best fashion and gift stores Guadeloupe

Timetable

Stores are generally open from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. Stores in shopping centers open later (around 9:30 a.m.), but remain open a little later in the evening.

Stores in Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre close around 1pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

The various markets, which liven up the city centers, generally open at 6 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. at the latest. Night markets (Thursdays in Sainte-Anne, Fridays in Gosier, Wednesdays in Le Moule) open around 5pm, but really get going after 6pm.

Shopping centers are particularly busy on the eve of public holidays, especially during the festive season. They are also crowded when people come to stock up during cyclone warnings. If you don't have any pressing needs, avoid shopping at this time, as the atmosphere is quite electric.

May 27 is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe: many shops are only open in the morning.

Budget & Tips

Off-site checks are often refused in stores too. Pay by credit card or cash.

Sales

Sales periods are not identical to those in France. Dates vary for each overseas territory. In Guadeloupe, they are scheduled from January 4 to February 3, 2025 for the winter period, and from September 27 to October 25, 2025 for the summer period.

What's very local

In Guadeloupe, haggling is not a common practice. It can be particularly unpopular with craftspeople who sell their products themselves, and who see it as a lack of respect for their skills.

Tourist traps

Craftsmen and artists are very numerous in the archipelago. They offer a wide range of objects and creations made from sand, seeds, driftwood, calabashes, coconuts, etc. Some stalls sell cheap Asian products that have nothing to do with quality or local know-how. Be careful in your choice of stores.

Don't hesitate to trust the establishments we highlight in each commune for this purpose.

Lambi conch (shellfish), turtle shells and coral are prohibited products, as they are protected species. Don't buy them, even at low prices, as you could end up paying dearly at customs!