This section describes in detail where the shopping centres are in Grand Cayman. It lists them by district, then describes which shops are in each of them. We describe where in the Cayman Islands you can find the every day products that you might need from beauty supplies, to books, children's clothing, computers, diving equipment, electronics, furniture, linens and plants. We also let you know where to find a beauty salon, a cleaner, plumber and electrician. 

SHOPPING IN CAYMAN

There are a number of shopping centres located around the Island, as well as various shops in downtown George Town. You can get all essential items and most luxury goods on the Island, although sometimes choices may seem limited and prices higher than what you may be used to. You can easily buy jewellery, watches, china, crystal, glass, appliances, kitchenware, groceries, plants, cameras and home improvement supplies. Selections of shoes and clothing are more limited. Of course, there is a large selection of resort-style island wear, but items such as men's suits, ties, work shirts, jeans and, of course, winter apparel are better purchased elsewhere.

SHOPPING CENTRES

George Town

Island Plaza

A large duty-free shopping centre on the waterfront in the heart of George Town, the Island Plaza contains the following jewellers: Diamonds Direct; House of Tanzanite; Grand Cayman Jewellers; Island Jewellers; London Jewellers Factory Outlet and Ammolite by the Bay. In addition, you will find the Swarovski boutique; Treasure Coins; Tropical Trader; Black Coral and Caymanite; Churchill's Cigars; The Sunglass Gallery; Book Nook; Thirsty? Thirsty? and several souvenir stores. There is also a Blackbeard's rum cake and duty-free liquor store. Upstairs, you will find Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville bar and outdoor water park. The Plaza is also excellent for families, as there are parakeets, talking cockatoos and green iguanas to see. Stores are open from 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, 9am-4.30pm. The centre is open on Sundays only when there is a cruise ship in port.

Bayshore Mall

A fairly new shopping centre containing Kirk Freeport Jewellery, the up-market Lalique and Lladro boutiques; The Retreat at Tips N Toes, Del Sol; Tous Jewellery; Cayman Critters; 20enty; MAC Boutique; Sport'n Zone; La Perfumerie and a Butterfield Bank ATM. Opening hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Saturday. Restaurant/food options: Pipino's Italian Pizzeria and Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

Aquaworld Shopping Mall

Home to an assortment of touristy souvenir and gift shops, this centre is on the waterfront towards Eden Rock. It also houses Havana House Cigars, Blackbeard's and the Harley-Davidson dealership. Restaurant/food options: Guy Harvey's Island Grill (French seafood) and Café del Sol.

Jack & Jill Building

Located downtown on Fort Street, this complex includes: Annie's Beauty Centre, International Travel, Cayman Craft, Tortuga Duty-Free Liquors, Caribbean Pirate, Deziner Alternatives (leather bags), Effy Jewellers, Goldsmith Jewellery Repair and more. Restaurant option: Bacchus Wine Bar.

Harbour Centre

Here you will find Too Hot and Latitude 19 for beach apparel and souvenirs as well as Natalie Bishop and Deziner Alternatives for leather bags. The Centre is also home to the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Restaurant/food options: Barnies Coffee & Tea Company and The Exchange Bar next door.

Cayman Craft Market

Located next to Harbour Centre, this open-air marketplace features local arts and crafts and is open on cruise ship days from 8am-3pm.

CaySide

On the waterfront, this small, but unique collection of shops ranges from La Casa Del Habano (cigars) to Cacha, Sports Port, Sterling and Stone, Island Treasures and The Penny Black.

The Village

This small complex on Dr. Roy's Drive in downtown George Town offers: Nembhard's Pets, Virginia's Beauty, Blair's Classic Barbers, Cayman Tours and Travel, CayBiz Computer and K&S Variety Store. Directly across the road are Changes Spa and Salon and Travel Pros.

Other Stores in George Town

Other speciality stores worth a visit are Far Away Places, for bed and table linens; Arabus, for upscale women's and men's fashions; Cayman Camera and Hobbies and Books. Restaurant/food options: Café del Sol, on the corner of Fort Street and Albert Panton Drive; Daily Grind; Breezes; Hard Rock Café; Margaritaville; Al La Kebab, on Albert Panton Drive and Maedac Café, in Genesis Close (for sandwiches and salads).

Walkers & Smith Road Area

Eden Centre (on Walkers Road)

This shopping centre was badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan and is now partially demolished. There are still a few businesses at this location, however, including:  A Formal Affair, Bottle Stop Liquor Store, Jennifer's Beauty Salon, Sounds and Things, SkyTel Electronics and Island Veterinary Clinic.

Pasadora Place (on Smith Road)

Here you will find: Petique, for gifts, candles, pet supplies and fish; Miss Jackie's School of Dance; Paige & Co., a hair and beauty studio; Noah's Ark, a wonderful store for upscale baby and children's toys, equipment and furniture; EQ3 furniture studio; Party Mart, for party supplies, including specialty helium balloons; Cayman Learning Centre, a tutoring centre; Beyond Paradise, for women's fashions and accessories; New Wings, for speech and language therapy; Super Stitch, a sewing and fabric store; Global Trade Electronics; Cayman Physiotherapy; Cayman Chiropractic & Medical; China Art & Craft; Rootz; Nail Essentials; Re Vine Beauty Salon & Barber Shop; Discount Liquors Wine & Spirits; Body Sculptor fitness centre and several doctors' offices. Restaurant/food options: Full of Beans Café, a coffee shop and restaurant; and Luz's, offering local and Spanish dishes.

Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road

Just down from Pasadora Place is Smith Road Plaza. Four notable tenants are Med Lab (for getting blood work and X-rays done), Cayman Orthopaedic Group, Dr. Rommel El Madany, OB/GYN and Beyond Basics Day Spa I.

PhotoPharm Centre

Valu-Med Pharmacy (formerly called Health Care Pharmacy) is located on Smith Road. Next door is Photo Plus, for framing and film development.

Also in the Walkers Road and Smith Road area are the government-owned George Town Hospital and the privately owned Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital (CTMH). Beyond Basics Day Spa II is located in the CTMH.

North Sound Road

Alissta Towers

There are quite a few offices here, including: Island Brokers insurance company; West Indian Design; Island Builders; IMPT for professional education; MC2 who publish the Real Life magazine; Vision Real Estate; LaBelle International hair salon; Georgian Bay Windows & Doors and The Pool Store.

Caymanian Village

Stores include: Absolutely Fabulous, for Indonesian and Chinese antique furniture and other accessories; Optical Outlook; Eurasia Imports, for Asian furniture; Kindermusik Studio for children's movement and music classes, and The Real Estate Company. Restaurant/Food options include: Island Taste and the National House Bakery.

Plaza Venezia

This complex, next to Jacques Scott, is home to: OfficeWorx, for office supplies; Chikitines, for children's clothing; Candles Unlimited; Blinds Unlimited & Design; Discount Auto Parts; Classic Designs, for furniture and accessories; Dollar Super Buy; Rochel's Beauty Spa; Pittsburgh Paints; Real Wood Cabinets; Appealing Apparel, for women's fashions; e'Solutions and FirstCaribbean Bank and ATM. Restaurant option: China Village.

Bodden Plaza, Crewe Road

Located here are Little Darlings, offering a large selection of children's clothes, furniture, toys and newborn accessories; Expectations, for maternity clothes; Tangles Kid's Hair Salon and Party Land, for party supplies.

Industrial Park

Alexander Place

This complex includes the office of Dr. Robert Glatz, an ear, nose and throat specialist; Lion’s Den Hair and Day Spa (a full service men's spa); Smile Dental Clinic; the office of Dr. Cecily Abraham, paediatrician; TrinCay Medical Services, Swank Full Figure Fashions; Georgian Bay Shutters; Kozaily Design and Grace Tabernacle.

Cayman Center

This new development on Airport Road opposite the Airport Post Office includes: the US Consular Agency for US passports and enquiries, Cayman Shoe Shop, carrying not only shoes but a wide array of men's and women's fashions; US Link, your US address in Cayman; Videomatic; Hair Tip Difference Beauty Supply Store; H.A. Bodden Realty & Developers; Glamour Destination Management; ITC Tiles, marble and granite show room; Latin Tours; Sylvan Learning Centre, for tutoring and Anglin-Lewis & Associates, immigration consultants. Restaurant options: Smokey D BarBQ Place and Roots Delight, a juice bar and vegan take-out.

Mirco Commerce Centre

(On North Sound Road in the Industrial Park)

This complex offers: Celebrations, flower and party store; Reflections, offering clothing, sports supplies and shoes; Cellular World (a good option for cell-phone repair or reprogramming); the offices for Seaboard Marine; Super Curls and Wild Strawberries (both of which are hair salons) and Cayman Dental Services. Restaurant option: Fusion Bistro.

West Bay Road & Seven Mile Beach Area

Queens Court Plaza

Shops and offices in the Plaza include: Body Works, for yoga, massage and beauty therapy; GNC, a vitamin and health food store; Computer Geeks for IT products and services; Crave, a clothing store; Regal Realty; and the O-Bar, a nightclub adjacent to Attic Bar & Lounge. Restaurant/food options: Fidel Murphy's Irish Pub, Thai Orchid Restaurant, Myrtles Restaurant & Bar, The Attic Pool Bar and Papa John's Pizza.

Seven Mile Shops

This centre is home to: Blackbeard's Liquors; Divers World; Beach Boutique; RE/MAX real estate; IDG (International Design Group), for upscale furniture and home accessories; Cayman Taffy Company; Gawk & Leer, for upscale kitchen supplies and housewares; the office of Dr. Eugene Foley, ophthalmologist and Cayman Lenscrafter, where you can get glasses made in one day. Restaurant/food options: Carlos & Martin's Tex-Mex Cantina & Bar, Icoa Café & Bakery and Nectar Sushi Bar.

The Marquee Plaza

(Just off West Bay Road)

This centre has Tortuga Liquors, a Cayman National Bank ATM, Focus Hair & Beauty Salon and Sunrays, an alternative to designer sunglasses. Restaurant/food options: Cimboco restaurant; Café del Sol, coffee shop and Internet café; Power Supply Bar; Antica Gelateria; Quizno's Subs and a kebab take-out called Al La Kebab that stays open late.

Camana Bay (just off West Bay Road)

Located off the Harquail bypass just off West Bay Road, Camana Bay is a new town centre. Here you will find NKY and NKY Collections, upscale men's and women's clothing boutiques; Books and Books, an independent bookseller; Bedside Manor; The Mansion for fine jewellery; De Sunglass Man, a sunglass and watch store; Digicel's flagship store; Eclipze Hair Design and Day Spa; and Island Companies. Stores set to open in 2010 include a high-end electronics store, TrinCay Medical Services, a deli called The Black Trumpet, an interior design company and a wine concept store. Restaurant/food options: Abacus Restaurant, Café del Sol and a Haagen-Dazs ice cream store.

West Shore Shopping Centre

(The Pink Plaza)

 The Seven Mile Beach Post Office is located here, along with Blockbuster Video; Kennedy Art Gallery; a Caribbean Utilities office (for paying electric bills); B.J.'s Electronics; Gecko, offering furniture and home accessories; Styles Beauty Salon; Divers Supply, which also offers a good selection of swimsuits and beachwear along with diving equipment; the Body Shop; Pure Health, a vitamin and health food store and Havana Club Cigar Lounge. Clothing and gift shops in this complex include the Cayman Shoe Shop, Sundog, Le Classique and Hesha. Restaurant/food options: Treats Café Dolce Vita restaurant, Subway (great for sandwiches) and Chicken! Chicken! - known for superb rotisserie chicken and Caribbean cuisine.

Galleria Plaza (The Blue Plaza)

Here you will find: Beyond the Horizon, an Indonesian furniture store which also carries a small clothing line and unique gifts and home accessories; LIME (formerly Cable & Wireless); Digicel; Azure Realty; Tropical Optical opticians; Out of the Bluz clothing store; Book Nook; Sports Supply; Rugs Oriental, for beautiful oriental rugs; a clothing store called Allee; SIRENA, an apparel outlet; Chiclit, a ladies boutique; The Salon hairdresser; Priestley's Attorneys-At-Law and Jacques Scott's Wine Cellar. Restaurant/food options: Agua Restaurant and the Pirates Den Pub (PD's).

Regency Court

A small centre that includes Havana Cigar Lounge, Harmony Aesthetics Spa, Tessa Hydes Property Management, Iris Braids and Beauty Salon, Cayman Computer Solutions, The Boutique, Cambridge Real Estate, Options Barber Shop, and Island Ink tattoo parlour. Restaurant/food options: Gino's Pizzeria.

Buckingham Square

(Across from Grand Cayman Beach Suites)

This complex offers: Big Daddy's liquor store; a Cayman National Bank branch and ATM; 24 K Mon, a jewellery store and gallery and True Friends, a clothing store. Restaurant/food options: Azzurro Café, an Italian coffee shop and patisserie; and a great Italian restaurant called Ragazzi.

Cayman Falls Centre

This centre offers Capt. Marvin's Watersports and mini-market, Macumba Lounge, Rapha Imaging & Medical Services, Divers Down, Big Daddy's liquor store, Caribbean Insurance and Island Styles Rentals. Restaurant/food options: Yoshi Sushi, Legendz Bar and Eats Café.

The Strand Shopping Centre

The Strand is home to a large Foster's Food Fair supermarket and pharmacy; a Cayman National Bank ATM; Capital Realty; a dental clinic and medical centre; Nelson and Company, a law firm; a branch of the Kirk Freeport jewellery store; Ambience, Ltd., specialising in European kitchen equipment, accessories and beautiful linens; Just Add Water, a clothing boutique; a branch of Scotiabank with an ATM; Spa Esprit Beauty Salon, Blackbeard's liquor store and All Fired Up! a pottery and mosaic store. Restaurant/food options: Vivendi Cabaret, Cayman's only cabaret and dinner restaurant; Haagen-Dazs, Paperman's Coffee House, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Canton Chinese Restaurant. Across the road are two very popular restaurants: Gateway of India and Copper Falls Steakhouse.

Governors Square

This is a new development opposite the Governor's House on West Bay Road offering Balaclava Jewellery; Lux Life; Audiophile stereo equipment; West Indies Brokers a real estate company; Cayman Islands Sotheby's International Realty; Funky Monkey, an athletic clothing store; Bon Vivant, an upscale kitchenware and appliances store; Tortuga Liquors; WestStar/WestTel Customer Centre; Wine Down Market; Spa de Soul, a beauty salon; a branch of Butterfield Bank and Cost-U-Less, a bulk food store. Restaurant/food options: Wine Down restaurant and bar, Perk Up Café and Prime Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse.

The Baytown Plaza

In this centre you will find HSBC Bank; Creative Tech, an upscale electronics store; Beltina's Special Occasions; Annie's Beauty Centre & Spa; Inspiration Beauty Salon and Spa; and Cayman Jam Boutique. Restaurant/food option: Kentucky Fried Chicken, which also has a drive-thru.

West Bay Area

Centennial Towers

(West Bay four-way stop)

This centre houses Puritan Dry Cleaning; Micro Matrix; VIP Productions, video and photography services; Digicel; Cayman National Bank; West Bay Medical Centre & Pharmacy; Picturethis, a photo development, photography studio and picture framing store and Zullema's Beauty Salon. Restaurant/food option: Subway (for inexpensive, healthy sandwiches).

Red Bay Area

The Shoppes at Grand Harbour

This complex has a large Hurley's supermarket; Blockbuster Video; Books by the Bay; Cyber Joe's; Spa-to-Go; Island Art & Framing, a small art gallery and framing shop; It's Your Party; Game Shack; CayTech; Blackbeard's Liquor and Health Care Pharmacy. Around the back of the complex is a skateboarding park and wave pool operated by Black Pearl, a boarding shop. Restaurant/food options: Brick House restaurant, Brew House coffee shop and Dog House bar.

Savannah & Lower Valley Area

Countryside Shopping Centre

This new complex includes: Foster's Food Fair supermarket; A.L. Thompson's; Cayman National Bank; Puritan Dry Cleaners; My Computer, an internet and computer store; Focus Hair & Beauty; The Vet Clinic and Specialty Pet Boarding; Savannah Clinic & Pharmacy; GNC and Jacques Scott Liquors. Restaurant/food options: MacDonald's Restaurant, Subway, Pizza Hut and Dragon Garden Restaurant.

DUTY FREE SHOPPING

Another way to benefit from Cayman's tax system is in the area of duty-free shopping. Much of the shopping in the Cayman Islands is duty-free, as well as being free from sales tax, so it might make sense for you to delay the purchase of certain luxury items like jewellery, watches, leather goods and cameras until you arrive in Cayman. (Editor's note: In this context, "duty-free" means the government has not added any import or customs duty to items when they are imported into Cayman, and "tax-free" refers to the absence of any form of sales tax in the Islands). With no mark-up due to duty fees, Island retail prices, also without sales tax, GST or VAT, can be considerably less than in mainland countries.

   When you buy products in a duty-free, tax-free market, there can also be pricing benefits that come directly from the manufacturers. Many luxury goods manufacturers fix the retail prices of their products and dictate that retailers do not sell them for less than the prescribed price. These are typically set according to country or geographic area. However, in duty-free markets, manufacturers will generally allow retailers to give better pricing than customers might expect in their home market. As with everything, it pays to shop around (particularly on Saturdays, when there are usually no cruise ships in port), but buying duty-free items in Cayman can offer significant savings of anywhere from 5-50% or more compared with prices at home.

   A little planning can go a long way in maximising savings. If you are about to make a large purchase, such as an engagement ring, loose diamonds, a wristwatch, a handbag or some other luxury goods, consider waiting to buy until you arrive in Cayman. Not many people know there are a large selection of diamonds in Cayman and a great range of cuts and sizes, from 0.25 carat to well over 10 carats, and a wide selection of settings are also available. According to Diamonds Direct, you can expect a savings of up to 50% compared to American retail prices.

   Alternatively, you might be looking to buy an every-day item such as a digital camera or a pair of sunglasses. Other duty-free favourites which you or your friends and family can take home include alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, fragrances and cosmetics. Having said all of this, you need to be aware of the customs regulations of your home country.

   On the topic of sunglasses, if you do not have a suitable pair, then Grand Cayman is a great place to shop for them. A good pair of sunglasses is really important in the Caribbean sunshine, as the intensity of ultraviolet rays is typically three times greater than in non-tropical nations and you are likely to spend much more time outside when compared to your home country. Although you don't have to spend large sums of money to buy a good pair of sunglasses, keep in mind that a moderate or higher price range will generally yield a higher quality, more durable pair. You will be able to choose from a huge selection of styles and many of the most sought-after brands (Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Prada, Gucci and Chanel to mention a few) are available from shops in downtown George Town.

   Cameras are also duty-free, and if you shop around you will often find they are less expensive than in your home country. Camera stores stock well known brands such as Nikon, Canon, Vivitar, Olympus, Sanyo, Sony and Pentax, and in addition to digital SLR cameras and accessories, you can also find camcorders and specialty shops selling a large array of underwater photographic equipment. Two stores to check out are:

Cathy Church's Photo Centre & Gallery

Sunset House Hotel, South Church Street, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 7415

WHERE TO FIND WHAT

Art Galleries & Locally Made Collectables

Art galleries on Grand Cayman are generally extremely good at carrying the work of local artists and craftsmen, whether original paintings, Caymanite jewellery or hand-woven thatch products. The quality is superb and such works have become highly collectable. Other products produced locally include Cayman sea salt, soap products, hand-painted cushions, jams, hot sauces, sculptures and note cards.

   Pure Art (Tel: (345) 949 9133) on South Church Street has, for the last 20 years, featured the work of some of the Island's best known and beloved painters and artisans. Located one mile from George Town in a charming Caymanian cottage, Pure Art is a treasure trove of original paintings, art prints and handcrafted island gifts. National Geographic Traveller magazine describes it as a "must do." It is open daily except on Sundays. You can visit their store online www.pureart.ky.

    The Kennedy Gallery (Tel: (345) 949 8077) in the West Shore Centre (Pink Plaza) and Island Art and Framing (Tel: (345) 947 2606) in Grand Harbour Centre, sell art and also do framing.

   Picturethis (Tel: (345) 943 3686) in Centennial Towers (West Bay) also does framing.

Be on the lookout for events being held at Camana Bay. They host events ranging from art exhibitions and family fun days to music festivals. The Gallery at the Ritz-Carlton (Tel: (345) 943 9000), the National Gallery (Tel: (345) 945 8111) and some local restaurants like Grand Old House and Full of Beans also display artwork, doubling as gallery space. The Cathy Church "Imagination"collection can be viewed at the Cathy Church Underwater Photo Gallery in South Sound. The Craft Market on the waterfront is a great stop for cruise ship passengers, but the number of products actually produced locally is limited. Finally, Artifacts Ltd. also carries antique maps and prints.

Art Supplies

The stores below carry selections of paints, brushes and canvases. 

Kirk Home Centre

257 Eastern Avenue, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 2521

Kirk Office Equipment

67 Northsound Road

Tel: (345) 623 5475

Picturethis

Centennial Towers, West Bay

Tel: (345) 943 3686

Beauty Products

The following stock well-known brands:

Body Works

Tel: (345) 945 6485

Alba, Aura Cacia, Burt's Bees, Earth Therapeutics, Eminence, Deep Steep, Gehwol Foot Products and Thalgo. 

CayJam, Ltd.

Tel: (345) 324 7093

Dead Sea Products and Swisa.

Every Bloomin' Thing

Tel: (345) 945 1701

Caldrea, Crabtree & Evelyn and Fruits & Passion.

Focus Hair & Beauty

Tel: (345) 943 6287

Guinot, Kerastase and Redkin.

Hibiscus Spa, The Westin

Tel: (345) 945 3800

Pevonia.

Kirk Freeport

Tel: (345) 949 7477

Boucheron, Chanel, Clinique, Christian Dior, Cartier, Clarins, Este Lauder, Guerlain, Lancome, La Mer, La Prairie, MAC, Yves Saint Laurent, Nina Ricci and Sisley Skin Care.

Paige & Co.

Tel: (345) 949 6912

Abba, Rusk, Modern Organic Products, Redkin and Sebastian.

Petique

Tel: (345) 949 7296

Ahava Skin Care and The Naked Bee.

Sameena's

Tel: (345) 949 4052

Germaine Capucini, Goldwell, June Jacobs, KMS California and Peter Thomas Roth.

Silver Rain, The Ritz-Carlton

Tel: (345) 943 9000

La Prairie.

Spa Esprit

Tel: (345) 945 4334

American Crew, Environ, Goldwell, Guinot, KMS, Matrix and Opi.

Spa de Soul

Tel: (345) 945 5919

Chi, Goldwell, Paul Mitchell and Remy Laure.

Styles

Tel: (345) 949 8809

Biolage, Biosilk, Tech Italy, Matrix, Nexus, Paul Mitchell, Remy Laure, Sebastian and Tigi by Bed Head.

The Retreat at Tips N Toes

Tel: (345) 943 8637

Essi, Orly, Opi,Temple Spa and Young Nails.

Vanity Hair & Nail Design

Tel: (345) 949 7929

Aveda, Catwalk, Bed Head, Phyto Hair Products, Archipelago Botanicals, S-Factor by Tigi, Keritin Complex, GHD and FHI styling tools.

Window Treatments

Most rented apartments come with blinds already installed. Curtains are more unusual. Often, if window treatments are not in very good shape, you can ask the landlord to replace them. If you have bought your own place and need to replace what is there, ask one of the following specialists to measure the windows and custom-fit window coverings:

Blinds Unlimited

Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road

Tel: (345) 946 7797

They specialise in made-to-measure blinds, plantation shutters and curtains, but also carry a large stock of ready-made blinds and drapes, hardware and samples of fabric for curtains.

Edie's Decor

64 Eastern Avenue

Tel: (345) 949 6348

West Indian Design

85 North Sound Road

Tel: (345) 949 6155

They sell both indoor and outdoor window treatments. Custom-made as well as ready-made offerings are available.

Woods Furniture & Design

Dorcy & MacLendon Drive

Tel: (345) 949 5933

Along with many well-known brands of furniture to suit all budgets, Woods also sells custom-made blinds and curtains.

Books & Stationery

There are currently three bookstores (Books & Books, Book Nook and Hobbies & Books). All have a large selection of books, stationery and cards. Hobbies & Books offer individual newspaper and magazine subscriptions. All the book stores have a wonderful selection of children's books. The Christian Enlightenment Centre (Tel: (345) 945 1252) carries Christian books. The Humane Society's charity book shop, The Book Loft, sells a large selection of second hand books, many in very good condition. 

Clothing

The following stores sell clothing:

Arabus

Edward Street

Tel: (345) 949 4620

Specialises in men's and women's office and evening wear.

Atlantic

Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Road

Tel: (345) 949 2296

Atlantic's men's department features designer names such as Greg Norman and Ben Sherman. In the women's and junior's departments, you will find brands such as Josephine Chaus, Esprit, Mac & Jac, Kenzie and more. Atlantic also has a lingerie department carrying a wide variety of brands and styles. They also sell shoes, accessories and gifts.

Atlantic Kids

Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Road

Tel: (345) 943 2296

Specialises in children's clothing, shoes, toys, books, accessories and school uniforms. They carry brands such as OshKosh, Carter's, Stride Rite and JanSport.  

Just Add Water

The Strand, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 945 4208

Specialises in women's clothing, beachware and accessories.

NKY

Camana Bay

Tel: (345) 946 8171

Specialises in upscale men's and women's attire. They are the distributors for Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren and other designers.

NKY Collections

Camana Bay

Tel: (345) 946 8172

Right next to NKY, NKY Collections features even more upscale and formal apparel from designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Paul & Shark, Diane Von Furstenburg and others.

Off The Peg

Elgin Avenue, George Town

Tel: (345) 946 5050

Specialises in women's clothing and accessories.

Passions Lingerie

Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 945 5571

European-style lingerie, beach wedding dresses and other accessories.

Also try the boutiques at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Beach Suites, the Westin and Treasure Island, as they carry great beachwear and casual attire for adults. Diver's World, Diver's Supply and the Beach Boutique also stock adult and children's beachwear.

Computers & IT Services

Expect to pay a little more for computers in Cayman than in the US. However, if you do buy a computer in the US, remember you will have to pay 20% duty on the shipping, insurance and cost of the equipment when you bring it to Cayman. Also consider that warranties on computers bought off-Island do not extend to the Cayman Islands. Many people buy all their computer equipment in Cayman.

Alphasoft

GKF Industrial Park

Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 8251

Alphasoft is the authorised dealer for Compaq and Hewlett-Packard hardware and is an authorised reseller for Apple as well as a McAfee training centre and a partner for Microsoft. They also offer recycling of Hewlett-Packard ink cartridges.  

Cayman Business Machines

49 Hospital Road, George Town

Tel: (345) 945 9090

This company is the authorised dealer for Xerox, Lenovo, Smartboard and NCR. They supply a range of business solutions and services, from printing on demand to document sharing and scanners. They also carry Lenovo computers, servers, monitors and accessories. In addition, CBM sells Smartboard interactive whiteboards and Infocus projectors for schools, offices and conference rooms. Docu-centre printing service is also available.

Cayman Leasing

Tel: (345) 949 2700

Email: gfoakley@candw.ky

Leases office and medical equipment.

Computer Geeks

Queen's Court, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 949 4335

They service and repair computers, have an internet cafe and sell computer parts and supplies.

Cyber Joe's

The Shoppes at Grand Harbour

Tel: (345) 943 7873

Email: info@cyberjoes.ky

Cyber Joe's has an internet cafe, repair centre and retail store under one roof, and also sell and service both PC and Apple products.

Ignition Cayman Ltd.

Grand Pavillion, 802 West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 947 4357

They offer IT management support, disaster recovery solutions, data replication services and system monitoring.

Kirk Office Equipment

67 North Sound Road, George Town

Tel: (345) 623 5475

They have a large retail store on North Sound Road and provide a wide range of products and service solutions including photocopiers, facsimiles, computers and accessories, furniture, carpeting, filing systems, office supplies and more.

Diving Equipment

The two main stores selling diving equipment on the Island are:

Divers Supply

West Shore Centre (Pink Plaza), West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 949 7621

Open: seven days a week, 8am-9pm

Divers World

Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 949 8128

Open: Monday through Saturday, 8am-6pm

Both locations sell, rent and service a wide range of internationally known diving equipment including Aqua, Apeks, Atomic, Decor, Oceanic, Mares, Seaquest, Suunto and Superpro. Please note that Divers World will not give any cash refunds under any circumstances.

Electronic Equipment

The Audiophile

4-103 Governors Square

Tel: (345) 746 4434

Email: theaudiophile@weststartv.com

Audiophile specialises in the design, supply and installation of custom home theatre systems, office and commercial audio/video systems and other associated audiovisual products and accessories for the mid to high-end market. They are the sole distributors for Mark Levinson, Revel, Arcam, Vantage Controls, JBL, JBL Synthesis, Infinity Systems, Harman/Kardon, KEF, Ad Notam, Audio Access, Digital Projection, WireWorld and Denon.

Automated Technologies

Tel: (345) 943 2266

Email: autotech@candw.ky

B.J.'s Electronics

Location 1: Next to Edie's Decor,

Eastern Avenue - Tel: (345) 949 7713

Location 2: West Shore Centre

West Bay Road - Tel: (345) 949 7460

Creative Tech

The Baytown Plaza, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 946 8324

Eminent Audio & Video

125 Eastern Avenue, George Town

Tel: (345) 946 7685

Eminent Audio & Video specialises in car stereo systems, home cinema equipment, commercial audio products and accessories. They are the distributors for JBL, Infinity, Harman/Kardon and Phoenix Gold.

Funky Tangs

Shedden Road

Tel: (345) 949 0998

Funky Tangs specialises in mid-range home theatre equipment and audio/video accessories and also offers a full line of CDs, musical instruments and car stereos.

Hi-Tech Electronics

Ashgo Street, off Godfrey Nixon Way

Tel: (345) 945 3950

Hi-Tech carries a large selection of TVs, DVDs, stereos, home theatre systems and car radios.

Brand Source Home & Gallery

209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park

Tel: (345) 949 5211

Specialising in electronics (Samsung, Mitsubshi and Toshiba), home entertainment systems, kitchenware (Calphalon, and Krups); appliances (GE Profile Monogram, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Napoleon) and also custom made closets.

House Smart Technologies

8 Dilbert's Plaza, 155 Shamrock Road

Tel: (345) 947 0854

Provide and install home-automation, security and entertainment systems, along with offering associated products and services.

Errands/Concierge Service

If you don't have enough time for errands or need extra help during the day, from buying groceries, paying bills or doing the school run, help is available. Whatever your errand, there are people to call.

Custom Errands

Tel: (345) 926 5599

Furniture

Take the advice of anyone who tells you not to bother bringing your furniture from home. Initially anyway, you won't need it. Admittedly not all, but most Cayman apartments come furnished and you will only end up putting your goods in storage. Ideally, you should arrive with clothing and personal effects only. Then, if you decide to buy your own home, you can ship your furniture (although please note the exemption to paying import duty on furniture and personal effects expires after six months).

   Not all houses are sold furnished, but many are. All homes bought pre-construction come unfurnished, but you can buy some lovely furniture on-Island. There are a couple of stores that have good quality Indonesian wood furniture, like Absolutely Fabulous and Beyond the Horizon. Then there are Woods Furniture and Design, IDG (International Design Group), Beacon Furniture, Markson's Furniture and West Indian Design, and these are just the main options. Inexpensive, self-assembly type furniture is available from Priced Right, Uncle Bills and Kirk Home Centre. For beautiful rugs, there is Rugs Oriental in the Galleria Plaza. Noah's Ark also carries EQ3 and Flexa furniture. Finally, Absolutely Fabulous Outdoors carries teak outdoor furniture.

Second-Hand Furniture

There is quite a booming market for second-hand furniture. On most Saturdays, there are yard sales where household items can be found. Also, look in the newspaper classifieds and on www.ecaytrade.com for second-hand furniture.

Hardware

All the large home stores like A.L. Thompson's, Cox Lumber, Kirk Home Centre and Uncle Bill's carry a large selection of hardware.

Housewares

Whether rentals or purchased outright, most houses come fitted with a washer, dryer, fridge and stove. Many also come with a microwave and dishwasher. If you are renting, properties usually come equipped with plates, glasses, cutlery and pots and pans. Linens and towels are less frequently provided.

   Whatever you need for your home, however, can be found at one of Cayman's four large home centres: Kirk Home Centre, A.L. Thompson's, Cox Lumber and Uncle Bill's. If you are looking for kitchen supplies, there are various places with quite an extensive choice. The Restaurant Depot in Industrial Park has everything a professional chef could want. Ambience, Ltd., Bon Vivant, Brand Source Home & Gallery, and Kirk Home Centre have a good selection of kitchen knives, cooking pots, china and kitchen appliances. Bon Vivant is the dealer for Viking and Smeg. Brand Source carries General Electric and Frigidaire. Kirk Home Centre features American Standard. A.L. Thompson's offers Whirlpool, Maytag, Miele and Kitchen Aid. Kirk Freeport's Waterford and Wedgwood store in George Town carries bone china and crystal glassware. These stores are usually open Monday through Saturday, 9am-6pm. 

Hurricane Supplies

As mentioned in the hurricane chapter, it is very important that you stock up on supplies before hurricane season. Essential food items can be purchased from the major supermarkets. Other items, such as torches, batteries, tarpaulins or even a generator, can be sourced at one of the major home centres such as A.L. Thompson's, Kirk Home Centre, Uncle Bill's or Cox Lumber. For hurricane shutters, call Hydes and Sons at (345) 949 7062. CH Export (Tel: (345) 938 2645) also offers a variety of hurricane shutters, from folding colonial shutters to geo-synthetic fabrics.

Jewellery & Repair

Cayman is a great place to buy jewellery. It can be 50% cheaper than in Europe or the US since watches, gems and precious metals are all duty-free. If you are shopping for a special piece, the best option is to just head downtown and wander around the Kirk Freeport or Island Companies shops, or explore the other jewellery outlets near the cruise ship terminals. For unique antique pieces, Artifacts Ltd. is located on the harbour front. For repairs, Kirk Freeport and Island Companies offer in-house repair service.

Lighting

Definitely don't bring lamps and lampshades with you. First, they are a nightmare to ship. Second, only 110/115v with 2-pin plugs work here. Third, your apartment will no doubt come with lamps and, finally, you can buy them here for a reasonable price. Most of the large home depots (A.L. Thompson's, Kirk Home Centre) carry lamps as does International Lighting & Design in Ed’s Plaza, next to the Butterfield roundabout. All the furniture stores also carry lamps.

Linens

You can buy good quality sheets from Kirk Home Centre, which offers the largest selection on the Island. You can also buy sheets from A.L. Thompson's and a few of the other stores if you look around. Ambience, Ltd. sells very high thread-count European linens. Bedside Manor in Camana Bay also sells linens. Nice towels can be found at Kirk Home Centre, and Valu-Med Pharmacy sells beach towels, but we recommend you bring a few of your own as well. You can never have too many towels - especially beach towels.

Bed Sizes - Beds in Cayman are US sizes and not European sizes. This means that a twin or single bed is 38" x 74", a full bed is 54" x 80", a queen is 60" x 80" and a King is 84" x 80".

Paint

Dedicated paint supply stores include:

ACE Paint & Decor

134 Industrial Way, Industrial Park

Tel: (345) 949 6252

Cayman Coating Industries

96 Portland Road, Industrial Park

Tel: (345)949 2920

Many of the home centres also carry paint and painting supplies.

Party Accessories

People in Cayman love to throw parties, especially fancy dress parties, and children always dress up for trick or treating at Halloween, so bring what fancy dress gear you have. Party supplies can be found at Party Mart (Tel: (345) 949 6446) in Pasadora Place on Smith Road and Caribbean Pirate (Tel: (345) 943 7444), located upstairs in the Jack and Jill Building, has an excellent choice of Pirate's Week (Cayman National Festival) attire. Large party supplies like tables, chairs, plates, napkins, etc., can be rented from Massive Equipment Rental (Tel: (345) 949 7990) or from Celebrations, Ltd (Tel: (345) 949 2044).

Plants, Flowers & Garden Centres

Unfortunately there are no corner stalls, like in the US and the UK, where you can buy a bunch of flowers for $5 on your way home. Since all flowers and most plants have to be flown or shipped in, they are more expensive than you would find at home. Although supermarkets do carry some plants and flowers, the greatest variety are available at local plant nurseries.

Power Flower

Orchard Lane, off Crewe Road

Tel: (345) 949 2256

Email: powerflo@candw.ky

As well as being a complete landscape design and maintenance company, they have a   beautiful four acre nursery just on the outskirts of town. They sell plants, trees, soil and glazed ceramic pots.

Every Bloomin' Thing

384 Crewe Road

Tel: (345) 945 1701

Email: info@ebt.com.ky

EBT carries a wide variety of plants, shrubs, trees and orchids. They hold a flower market every Friday, with cut flowers 50% off, and every second Wednesday of the month there is a "Root Sale", with 15% off on all plants. In the summer months, they also hold classes specifically for children, as well as classes on orchid maintenance and general gardening. At Christmas they sell real Christmas trees. 

Green Thumb Nursery

210 Eastern Avenue

Tel: (345) 945 2122

As well as designing solid wood kitchens with granite counter tops, Green Thumb has a large plant nursery. They offer design, construction, maintenance and irrigation installation services. 

Vigoro Nursery & Garden Supply

Vigoro Nursery has two locations:

#1 - 324 Walkers Road

Tel: (345) 949 4270

#2 - 96 Agricola Drive

Tel: (345) 945 5236

Vigoro carries a large variety of plants, shrubs, small trees, herbs and glazed and terracotta pots in both locations. At Christmas they import real Christmas trees (but you must place your order by October) and they turn the inside of their shop on Walkers Road into a magical Christmas grotto. 

You can also buy plants at the Botanical Gardens, the Department of Agriculture in Lower Valley and from a small nursery on Fairbanks Road, George Town (behind the government high schools). Every year most nurseries import Christmas trees, as does Hobbies & Books.

Wholesale Items

The following are good wholesale stores if you are looking for bulk items like nappies, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc. Priced Right and Cost-U-Less both sell an array of different items, from appliances and furniture to electronic equipment.

Priced Right

63 Dorcy Drive

Tel: (345) 949 5155

Cost-U-Less

51 Lime Tree Bay, off West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 745 5377

SERVICES

Air Conditioning

Androgroup

Tel: (345) 949 8000

After Hours Emergencies: (345) 916 7962

www.andro.ky

Otis Air

36 Kingbird Drive

Tel: (345) 945 7167

Email: sales@otisair.ky

Babysitters & Nannies

Babysitters from the company below are trained in CPR and first aid. Expect to pay CI$12 per hour, for a minimum of four hours. They are also available on a daily or weekly rate and will do cleaning as well as child care. Other babysitters can be found by word of mouth and the going rate is CI$10 per hour.

AAA Caregivers

Tel: (345) 916 5925

Email: capablecaregivers@candw.ky

Beauty, Hair Salons & Day Spas

There are numerous places where you can get a massage, manicure and pedicure, have your hair cut, have a beauty treatment and purchase the beauty products you are accustomed to using at home. Grand Cayman attracts many professional and internationally-trained hairdressers and beauty technicians. As anyone will tell you, the best way to find a good hairdresser is by word-of-mouth. Tipping your hairdresser or massage therapist a 15% gratuity is customary in Cayman.

Body Works

Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 945 6485

Services include: Swedish, sports, prenatal and deep tissue massage, reflexology, La Stone therapy, facials, electrolysis, body treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, yoga and pilates classes.

Sameena's Hair & Beauty

Shop #1 Bush Centre, North Church Street

Tel: (345) 949 4052

Services include: Hair cutting and treatments, waxing, massages, reflexology, threading, microdermabrasion, acrylic nails, facials, ear candling, eyebrow tinting, glycolic acid peels, manicures and pedicures. 

Styles Beauty Salon

West Shore Centre, West Bay

Tel: (345) 949 8809

Services include: Hair cutting, colouring and treatments, tinting, waxing, full body treatments, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures.

Tangles Kids Salon

2nd Floor, Bodden Place (above Little Darlings)

Tel: (345) 945 5437

Services include: Hair cutting (primarily for kids but also for Mums and Dads), hair styling, braiding, manicures/pedicures and party packages. (Ed. even very little children will love this place!).

The Retreat at Tips N Toes

Bayshore Mall, South Church Street

Tel: (345) 943 8637

Services include: Waxing, wraps, body treatments, massages, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures. 

Vanity Hair & Nail Design

Panton Building, 350 Shedden Road

Tel: (345) 949 7929

Services include: Hair design, colouring and treatments, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures. 

Cabinets & Cabinet Makers

Green Thumb Home & Garden Centre

210 Eastern Avenue

Tel: (345) 945 2122

Kitchen & Bath Solutions

Tel: (345) 925 3000

www.caysolutions.com

Kitchen and Bath Solutions offers a variety of European-style cabinetry for both kitchen and bathroom and they have hundreds of options on doors and finishes. 

Real Wood Cabinets

#4 Plaza Venezia

Tel: (345) 943 9663

Real Wood offers custom-built kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, walk-in closets and wall units as well as polystone, granite and corian countertops. 

Wood's Furniture and Design, Ltd.

131 Dorcy Drive

Tel: (345) 949 5933  

Car Wash

People are quite image conscious about their cars in Cayman and will often either clean them over the weekend or get a company to come to their office to wash them. This is a great way to extend the life of your car, as salt air and sunshine are hard on automobiles. The average cost is CI$25 for sedans and CI$35 for SUVs. Tipping a little on top is customary.

The Auto Spa

Godfrey Nixon Way 

Tel: (345) 943 1946

Sam's Mobile Car Cleaning

Tel: (345) 943 4444

Cleaning Services

The following companies offer a variety of cleaning services, including carpet and upholstery, windows and marble floors. In addition, their staff can assist with domestic cleaning services, either for a one-time spring cleaning or on a regular basis (see the Running your Home chapter for more information).

Fabri-Zone Cleaning Systems

7 Spinnaker Square, Red Bay

Tel: (345) 949 5010

Hew's Janitorial

335 Dorcy Drive

Tel: (345) 949 0734

Reliable Cleaning

Behind Kirk Office Equipment

Tel: (345) 949 9303

Roper's Janitorial Service

122 Industrial Park

Tel: (345) 949 2511

Dry Cleaners

The dry cleaners on the Island are fairly good, but they cannot clean specialty items like leather and my personal recommendation is that you do not give them high end designer clothes to dry clean. They can also clean bedspreads and sofa slipcovers.

Puritan Cleaners

They have four locations:

Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7104

Centennial Towers, West Bay
Tel: (345) 945 4508

Arboretum, Elgin Avenue
Tel: (345) 949 2452

Countryside Village, Savannah
Tel: (345) 946 1884

Island Cleaners

Artco Centre, Shedden Road
Tel: (345) 949 5391

Shoppes at Grand Harbour
Tel: (345) 947 1001

Governors Square, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 623 5391

Electricians

If you need an electrician we recommend the following companies:

Androgroup

Tel: (345) 949 8000

www.andro.ky 

Hay Electric Co/BrittHay

Tel: (345) 949 4154

Email: sales@britthay.com

Flooring

Paramount Carpets

317 North Sound Road

Tel: (345) 949 5000

Edie's Decor

64 Eastern Avenue

Tel: (345) 949 6348

Florists

Celebrations, Ltd.

Mirco Centre, North Sound Road

Tel: (345) 949 2044

Every Bloomin' Thing

34 Crewe Road

Tel: (345) 945 1701

EBT has a flower market every Friday, with all flowers 50% off. Wrap and carry only.

Trisha's Roses

266 North Church Street

Tel: (345) 949 2423

Interior Designers

Cayman has quite a few places offering interior design services. IDG (International Design Group), West Indian Design and Woods Furniture & Design all offer such services.

Key Cutting/Locksmiths

The following companies offer key cutting and locksmith services. You can also try A.L. Thompson’s, Kirk Home Centre and Uncle Bill's for key cutting services.

Locks on Wheels

Tel: (345) 946 5060 or (345) 947 2461

Vaults Locks & Safes, Ltd.

Off the Butterfield roundabout

Tel: (345) 949 7441

Secure Cayman

Mobile Service

Tel: (345) 945 5625/(345) 926 5625

Landscaping

There are many landscape contractors who can care for your garden once you buy a home. Almost all apartment complexes have someone maintaining the grounds as part of the strata.

Every Bloomin' Thing

34 Crewe Road

Tel: (345) 945 1701

Power Flower

#9 Tropic Centre

Tel: (345) 949 2256

Vigoro Nursery & Garden Supply

Two locations, Walkers Road and Agricola Drive Tel: (345) 949 4270

Libraries

There is one full-service public library located in George Town and an academic learning resource centre at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

George Town Library

Tel: (345) 949 5159

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 10am-2pm

There are four branch public libraries located in North Side, East End, Bodden Town and on Cayman Brac. Library opening hours are different for each. A library card costs CI$2 for adults and is free for children from birth up to age seventeen. To join the library as a new member you must prove you will be a resident for a minimum of six months.

The Sam Basdeo Learning Resource Centre

Tel: (345) 949 9580

Monday-Thursday 8am-7.30pm

Friday 8am-4pm

Saturday 8am-1pm

Located at the University College of the Cayman Islands, the Learning Resource Centre is primarily geared towards academia. However, it does offer some recreational reading material as well as a broad range of current periodicals and journals.

Notary Public

When moving to the Island, certain documentation will need to be certified as a true and correct copy for work permits, opening a bank account or for the utility company. You will need to have a Cayman Islands notary public assist you with this process. Most law firms offer this service for CI$25. You can also call notary public Peter Balls at Petique (Tel: (345) 949 7296).

Pharmacies

See the Health section.

Photographers

Picturethis

101 Centenial Towers, West Bay

Tel (345) 943 3686

A talented team including Rebecca Davidson and Aaron Rebarchek take wonderful wedding, family, children and baby photos.

Plumbers

Androgroup

20 Breezy Way, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 8000

After Hours Emergencies: (345) 916 7962

Ghezzi Plumbing

Industrial Park in the JJT Warehouses, Back Unit on the ground floor.

Tel: (345) 946 2644

Mac Plumbing

Coconut Plaza, Unit 4, West Bay Road

Tel: (345) 949 8067

Shoe Repair

No. 1 Shoe Shop

12 Jetik Building, Walkers Road

(Near the George Town Hospital)

Tel: (345) 949 5595

Residential Appliance Repair

If you have a problem with one of your major household appliances and it needs repair, we recommend the following companies. Unlike some companies, none of the businesses below charge a separate call-out fee, which can be a nasty surprise if you are not expecting it.

Androgroup

20 Somerset Drive

Tel: (345) 949 8000

Androgroup specialise in a/c, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair, but they do not repair refrigerators or microwaves. They charge CI$85 per hour, not including additional help (CI$45) or materials.

Brand Source

209 Dorcy Drive, Airport Industrial Park

Tel: (345) 623 1000 or (345) 325 8000

They charge CI$75 per hour along with a fuel surcharge, depending on where you live.

Parsons Appliances

312 West Church Street, West Bay

Tel: (345) 949 3945 or (345) 916 1227

They charge CI$65 per hour.

Storage & Organising Solutions

Custom Closets

Showroom at Brand Source Home Gallery

Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park

Tel: (345) 526 6774

Email: Helen@brandsourcecayman.com

Kirk Home Centre

257 Eastern Avenue, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 2521

Uncle Bill's Home Improvement Centre

343 Eastern Avenue, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 7601

Web Design

The following company offers web design and search engine optimisation services on the Island:

Easywebsites.ky

Tel: (345) 925 8188

www.easywebsites.ky 

Wedding Organisers

Simply Weddings

Tel: (345) 949 9933

mywedding@candw.ky