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Shopping in Guernsey

The main shopping area in Guernsey in the town of St Peter Port which has retained many of its traditional features rather than become a covered shopping mall. The cobbled streets help to retain much of its character and many of the shops are housed in historic buildings

The majority of the shops are to be found in the High Street, Arcade, Smith Street and Pollet areas although the "Old quarter" beyond the market and up through to Mill Street has an interesting variety of clothes and antique type shops. In addition to many locally run family businesses, many of the large UK chain stores can be found in St Peter Port including M&S, Next, Burtons, Woolworths and Boots. In some cases the full UK price is charged to cover the high freight costs to the island. 

However there is no v.a.t. on goods sold in Guernsey and there are many bargains to be had particularly on high value goods, such as jewelry, cameras, and perfume.

Market Building	Fish stall

Fresh produce is still sold in the old Meat,  Fish, Vegetable and Flower  Market although the number of stalls has been dwindling in recent years. Big plans are afoot however to completely transform the Market Buildings to produce a modern shopping centre, whilst at the same time retaining much of the facade.

The Old Guernsey Market comprising of a number of stalls selling traditional Guernsey fayre, is held every Thursday from May through to the 27th September, near the bus terminus. Stall holders are dressed in period costumes. The market was started in 1973 by the Young Businessmen's Group

St Peter Port is a popular port for visiting liners. In 2000, 60 liners brought more than 20,000 passengers ashore to shop in the Town and take conducted tours around the island, on Island Coachway coaches. In 2001, 68 liners have made provisional bookings bringing with them almost 30,000 passengers.

St Sampson's Bridge is the island's second mini shopping area and again there are an interesting variety of shops, many of them local stores and is often used by people living in the North of the island. Having said that nowhere is very far in Guernsey and there are also some large stores scattered around the island such as Aladdins Cave where a large variety of household goods can be found and a large Toy area.

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