Shop With Me: The Tailor's Daughter

I’m always encouraging you to shop local on your Caribbean travels. But I’m also aware that it's not always easy, what with duty-free stores and their discounted designer goods and the proliferation of merch that looks like its made in the Caribbean (but actually comes from other parts of the world) calling your name. However, if you find yourself passing through V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, I’ve found a one-stop spot that makes it easy to shop Caribbean.

Open since March 2017, Antiguan Michelle George’s eponymous emporium The Tailor’s Daughter exclusively sells Antigua- and Caribbean-made merch. Swing by the store opposite Gate 2 on the Departures concourse and you’ll find locally made wood chopping boards alongside pink sea salt harvested from sister island Barbuda; the classic Antiguan condiment, Susie’s hot sauce; and catchalls handcrafted from coils of colorful fabric.

From the Dominican Republic comes flavored sugar, and there’s fiery jerk sauce, lemongrass oil and even candied sorrel (yum!) from Jamaica.

But Antiguan products make up the majority of the inventory, which also  includes elegant placemats and napkins woven from locally grown cotton; children’s storybooks and cookbooks by Caribbean authors; and of course, plenty of English Harbour and Cavalier rum and rum cake.

I was intrigued by the private-label pineapple jam (the island is famous for its sweet and juicy black pineapples), and the bags of soursop and lemongrass tea from Grandma Aki.

But my must-have is definitely The Tailor’s Daughter’s exclusive collection of cotton totes, simple sacs emblazoned with local sayings such as “Tings” and “Island Gyal.”

When it comes to authentic local “shopportunities,” I challenge you to find a better way to spend $20 in any airport.