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The Straw Market
The Straw Market
Bay Street
Nassau, Bahamas
242-322-7500
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
History Museum
The Straw Market Description
While the famous Straw Market is wonderful for traditional Bahamian handicrafts like woven baskets and shell lamps, American kids and teens aren't going to find much there for them. What they'll go ga-ga over are the duty-free goods, such as purses, cameras, watches, and perfumes, strung along Bay Street in downtown Nassau. (Mom and Dad may be tempted as well.) Rounding out the shopping experience are upscale designer shops such as Gucci, Cartier, Coach, and others. Since 1992, when the government of the Bahamas abolished import duties, Nassau's become a draw for bargain shoppers from around the world. Prices are 25 to 50 percent below U.S. retail.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Don't miss an unusual store called Del Sol that offers a full line of "hypercolor" merchandise that changes colors in the sun. Change-color goods include t-shirts, nail polish, toys, belts, and purses, and the zany atmosphere is a lot of fun. Some street stalls sell toys and sports equipment, too.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The Discount Warehouse has great prices on trendy jewelry, watches, charm bracelets and charms, and other trinkets.
Planning Notes
- Buyer beware: knock-offs abound. If you want to be sure you're buying an authentic brand, look for shops that boast a pink flamingo on the door or window; this sticker, issued by the Duty Free Promotion Board, signifies that the shop has met government guidelines guaranteeing that its brands are authentic.
Just the Facts
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (some shops stay open until 7); Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., though many shops are closed.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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