Shop in Unique Boutiques
There is a shift happening on a global level to support local businesses, and here on St. Croix the majority of businesses are locally owned and operated. The lack of chain stores found on St. Croix provides the island with some wonderfully diverse local boutiques offering unique products, as well as personalized customer service. Shop for stylish island fashions, books, teas and spices, home décor, and locally made skincare products…the options are endless and ever changing!
Looking to add a little flair to your wardrobe? Indulge in the feel of the tropics with a new sundress or island-themed shirt. If you are looking for something a little classier, perhaps for a special event, you can find that too! Stylish linen pants for him, or a special occasion dress for her. Once you find that perfect outfit, don’t forget to accessorize! Complete your ensemble with a great pair of sandals or heels, a coordinating handbag, and maybe even a new fragrance. You will find that the St. Croix shop owners and their employees are happy to help you to find just the right style and flattering fit for you. From personal experience I can tell you that boutique shopping for clothing here on the island is like having a personal shopper, so enjoy the experience as well as your purchases.
Hitting the beach? Shop for a swimsuits and cover-ups in the latest styles. You may also want to add a little protection from the sun with a rash guard, some polarized sunglasses, or a fun hat. Shop for the whole family, and don’t forget the sunblock, beach towels, and maybe a beach bag as a souvenir from St. Croix. You can also find flip flops, or water socks if you are going to be hitting some of the rockier beaches. You can find everything you need to hit the beach in style in several boutiques and shops right along Queen Cross Street near the boardwalk in Christiansted. If you’re in Frederiksted, shop along the waterfront Strand Street for all your beach and island wear needs.
While shopping for new wearable fashions can be fun, St. Croix also offers some beautiful and unique home décor and accessories inspired by island living. You will find one-of-a-kind furnishings for both indoors and outdoors, brought on to St. Croix from exotic destinations like Bali. You can also find locally painted art, carved bowls, glass display cases full of seashells, and other accessories that will allow you to bring the feeling of the island into your home. You can also shop for beautiful throw pillows, textiles, and table linens made from effervescent designs that make each piece a true work of art.
Another wonderful thing about St. Croix is the sense of community the island shares. In many local boutiques sales from specific products, or a portion of all sales, go to support local St. Croix charities. You will also see a lot of emphasis as you shop in sourcing locally grown and sustainable products or ingredients, recycling, and minimizing our impact on the environment. With ‘up-cycling’ being such a popular pastime these days, you can find unusual ornaments, jewelry, bags, coasters, and more that were created using found or recycled items. You can also find bush tea, hot sauces, and spice blends that use locally sourced ingredients that allow you to take a taste of St. Croix home with you. Best of all, St. Croix even has it’s own lifestyle brands emerging and creating buzz not only on St. Croix, but stateside as well.
Whatever you may be shopping for here on St. Croix, it is important to shop locally. Not only will you get a more personalized shopping experience from St. Croix’s boutique shop owners, but shopping locally stimulates the local economy and reduces the overall environmental impact. Local business owners often sell local products, which helps preserve St. Croix’s unique community and creates more jobs locally. They also do what they do because they are passionate about their products and their customers. As the saying goes: ‘You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local and that’s kind of the same thing.’
– Jennie Ogden, Editor
