You won’t find any chain stores or malls here, but there are a surprising number of small shops selling clothing, shoes, electronic goods, hardware, stationery, flowers, and many other items, and most are owned and managed by local individuals or families. Because of the relocation from the volcanic areas, especially the capital Plymouth, shops have had to move and rebuild in the northern area all over again, but many have already moved into permanent premises.

Because there is not yet a new “town center” (although one is planned), shops tend to be scattered at intervals along the main road, especially in Brades. So expect to make several stops when shopping. There are however a few groups of shops, such as the BBC complex and the Ryan’s Court on the Brades Main Road.

For craft lovers there’s a variety of attractive, locally made handicrafts, gifts and products to be found on Montserrat, as well as photos and postcards of the volcano. Crafts on sale include handcrafted leather goods, hand woven items from locally grown sea island cotton, T-shirts, volcanic souvenirs made of ash and volcanic rocks, handmade dolls and greeting cards, local preserves such as guava jelly and hot pepper sauce, local music CDs, and books and videotapes on Montserrat. Our National Dress features green and yellow “Madras” plaid cotton fabric, which is incorporated into many craft items.