Trinidad: a regional shopping centre

Trinidad continues to be a major shopping centre in the Caribbean, attracting shoppers from all over the region and neighbouring Latin American countries.

Trinidad’s appeal as a shopping mecca lies in the mix of local fare, ranging from jewellery to music; high-end branded goods; and cheap imported items from Venezuela, China, India, Brazil and the United States, among others.

Shopping options are pretty extensive, with bargain shopping in downtown Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima, Tunapuna and main streets in other districts. Malls offer merchandise priced for any pocket, with the added convenience of air-conditioning, secure parking, food courts, recreation for children, and in some cases Sunday opening hours (a rarity in the Caribbean).

Consumers can also shop now from the comfort of their homes by calling in to buy items from local as-seen-on-TV shopping programmes. And a growing number of entrepreneurs have set up shop on the internet to sell shoes, clothing, music, lingerie and other items.

A shopping mecca

Shoppers from across the region already flock to Trinidad for the tremendous variety of goods, which are often not available in most of our island neighbours. And in the midst of an economic boom and increasingly well-travelled and savvy consumer market, Trinidad’s retail stores and shopping centres have been upgrading rapidly over the last few years to cater to the island’s (and region’s) evolving tastes. What you’ll find in Trinidad, then, is a retail sector offering the best in local products alongside imported international brands of every description.

The largest and most extensive shopping malls are concentrated in northern Trinidad, in the northwest and along the East-West Corridor. These sleek and sprawling shopping malls – many of which have been renovated and expanded over the last decade – offer the comfort of air-conditioned shopping and secured parking, and an ever-growing range of retailers. You might sooner feel that you’re in Miami or somewhere in North America when you step into these worlds.

In contrast, the street vendors, markets, and mini-malls of bustling downtown Port of Spain (Charlotte and Frederick Streets), San Fernando (High Street) and Chaguanas (Main Street), are the destinations for bargain-hunters.

Good buys

Souvenirs

If you’re souvenir shopping, or want to get deeper into the sounds of Trinidad, you’ll definitely want to get hold of some Trini music. There are some excellent steelpan recordings, including annual ones highlighting the stars of the Carnival-time Panorama competition, as well as by some of the leading steelbands and soloists. Many feature pan jazz, which fuses Trinidad rhythms with jazz stylings. If you like calypso, you’ll typically find a range of both new and vintage classic calypsos – many recently remastered. Trinidad also has a vibrant music industry, with artists creating original Caribbean-derived music that defies definition. There are also gospel, pop, rock, western and eastern classical recordings by local artists and groups. DVDs are also becoming increasingly popular, showcasing Trinidad cultural events and, of course, Carnival. See our Carnival and Arts & Culture pages for more details.
 

Fashion & jewellery

The island has a lively fashion and jewellery industry, creating elegant formal and casual clothes, including traditional wear from south Asia and the African continent. Fabric is a good buy, particularly vivid batiks. T-shirts can be great and distinctive gifts, whether featuring intricate hand-painted designs, rude messages, or boisterous Trini pride. You can also find beautiful hand-crafted copper and beaded jewellery. Consider as well the island’s distinctive local art in a range of media, on exhibit and for sale at galleries and framing shops island-wide.
 

Spirits

Then of course there is Trinidad rum (check your home country’s duty-free allowance) and a range of other locally produced spirits and liqueurs. Angostura 1919 is a favourite – and of course, any Trini will tell you that a beer is a Carib. Travellers from Trinidad are also renowned for carrying loads of Trini food with them – pastelles, roti skins, seasonings, spices, sauces, sweets, even pre-cooked meat!
 

Books & magazines

Books and magazines are always a good buy. You’ll find local fiction and poetry at most bookstores; publications about Trinidad history and culture; and some stunning coffee-table books dealing with Trinidad’s natural history, people and architecture. Several magazines also deal with Trinidad’s lifestyle and culture, and are available as single issues and by subscription. Of course, we recommend Discover’s sister publication, Caribbean Beat, and the range of beautiful coffee table books available from our publisher's book imprint, Prospect Press!
 

Featured shops & malls

HCL Premier Malls

• Trincity Mall anchors the HCL Group's residential, commercial, hospitality and leisure community, the Trincity Millennium Vision. The largest shopping centre in the English-speaking Caribbean with over five million shoppers annually, Trincity Mall is home to a mix of fashion retail, entertainment, two food courts and restaurants. The mall is currently adding six additional screens at the Caribbean Cinemas 8 multiplex, plus nearly 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space plus a lifestyle area that will incorporate our tropical environment into the shopping experience. Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 10am–7pm; Friday–Saturday 10am–8pm; Sunday 1pm–6pm
• Long Circular Mall is centrally located just northwest of Port of Spain, with three levels of brand name merchandise and retailers, plus a food court, gym, and supermarket. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm
• Valpark Shopping Plaza is Trinidad’s first shopping plaza (opened in 1970), now newly renovated, and conveniently located between Port of Spain and Piarco Airport. Valpark hosts 115 shops on two levels. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 8am–4pm                         
• Atlantic Plaza is southern Trinidad’s new business-oriented plaza at Point Lisas, and includes travel agencies; courier services; stationery outlets; insurance brokers; commercial banking facilities; executive office facilities; conference facilities; professional services; fine dining restaurants and an extensive food court.
   

The Falls at West Mall

Western Main Road, Westmoorings. T: 632-1239.
Inspired by the water, light and greenery of Trinidad’s tropical island environment, as well as by Caribbean architecture and design, the developers of The Falls at West Mall ambitiously set out to create a functional work of art. The result is the elegantly refurbished, meticulously maintained Falls at West Mall, providing each visitor with a luxurious and secure shopping experience in a 21st century facility. The Mall features 137 stores, a modern food court, and state-of-the-art gym. Its wide selection of retailers and service providers can meet all of your shopping needs, with retailers specialising in gifts, clothing, jewellery and accessories, beauty and health, home furnishings, computer and telephone services, music and electronics, and other specialty services. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm, Sunday 1pm–6pm

B&Tees' Native Spirit

Long Circular Mall, St. James. T: 622-7969, W: www.nativespirittees.com
Native Spirit is a unique brand of “original art to wear” producing original, locally-made Trini, Caribbean and tropical designs printed and embroidered on t-shirts, polos, ladies’ tops, dresses, bags and headwear for all ages. Native Spirit – a design, screen printing, embroidery and garment manufacturing business – has now expanded to sell its popular clothing and accessories online. Live life in Native Spirit, the t-shirt vibe of the Caribbean.

Bambu Gift Shop

Level 2, West Mall, Westmoorings. T: 632-7567/0688, F: 637-6324, E: bambu@trinidad.net
Bambu offers a variety of unique handcrafted items made in the Caribbean – beautiful sculptures, ceramics, original paintings, hammocks, chimes, copper, steel pans, batik, and much more. It also offers a wide selection of T&T hats, towels, Carib collectables, and jewellery. Located in the Falls at West Mall and Crown Point Beach Hotel in Tobago.
 

Excellent City Centre

3 Frederick Street, Port of Spain. T: 623-6464
Excellent City Centre in downtown Port of Spain captures the essence of both modern architecture and history. Its main entrance on Independence Square is the modern façade, while the beauty of George Brown’s 100-year-old architecture can be seen in the columns and balustrades on its Frederick Street entrances and inside. Excellent Stores, the largest department store on the island, carries a wide range of souvenir items. Savour the flavour of the island at the ever popular Food Court located on the upper level. With over 60 shops offering a wide range of merchandise and services, Excellent City Centre is a “must visit” destination. Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 9am–6pm, Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 8:30am–2pm

Ferreira Optical Boutique

The Falls at West Mall, 3rd floor (western entrance): 632-5492/1387
Trinidad gets a new look at eyewear at Optique, a Ferreira Optical boutique. Optique is eyewear redefined, and pushes the boundaries of design in frames and sunglasses. Inspiration for the designs comes from the natural world of insects and flowers, the sleek urban landscape, or the detail and sophistication of haute couture. The materials used to construct this custom eyewear is also innovative: exotic woods, buffalo horn, gold and silver, dotted with diamonds and sapphires, and a selection of accessories in semi-precious stones to match. Not surprisingly, some of the models have won international acclaim: Gold and Wood, Kata, Judith Lieber, Kazuo Kawasaki, Stefan Preutz. Optique – truly an eye-opening experience.

Just CDs

Long Circular Mall, St. James: 622-7516; MovieTowne Mall, Port-of-Spain: 625-3472
Just CDs is your one-stop shop for a wide range of local and international music in a number of genres, including calypso, reggae, classical, opera, R&B, pop, jazz and more. You can also find a host of accessories for your home audio needs, including CD and DVD towers, player cleaners, cases, the latest game systems, and even cell phones.
 

Rhyner’s Record Shop

De Music Store, Piarco International Airport: T: 669-3064, www.trinidadmusicstore.com, www.trinidadtunes.com
Established over 70 years ago in Port of Spain, the family-run Rhyner’s has long been a leading retailer of local music. In 2001, the company joined forces with other business partners to open De Music Store in the new Piarco International Airport. The store’s rich wooden panelling and shelving, built from local greenheart wood, complements the tremendous range of local audio and video: soca, calypso, steelpan, gospel, classical, compilations, videos of special events and competitions, and much more. Items are also available for purchase online at www.trinidadmusicstore.com, while individual tracks and full albums can be legally downloaded from www.trinidadtunes.com. 

Sapodilla Gift Shop

This craft shop carries a unique selection of batiks; ceramics; paintings; T-shirts and jewellery made from local seeds, wood, copper and shells; and other souvenir items. Over 80% of the store’s inventory is completely local. Level 2, Trincity Mall, Trincity, 640-8634