Nassau Straw Market

[DisneyAngel05]

Hi all,
We are first time cruisers on May 13-17 07!! I really love getting authentic souvenirs and have heard about the straw market on Nassau [and that it is a little bit scary!!]
I would really appreciate people's opinions on it, and where else to buy great straw and Bahama souvenirs that are at a good price.
TIA!!

 

[LCTsMom]

We were there this past September. It wasn't scary at all, just hot and stuffy. We got some cute straw bags and my mom haggled and got a great deal on a huge knock off Louis Vuitton bag. My DS15 loved it, he was really into the cool shell necklaces! My DD6 loved the fact that they could personalize a bag for her (she has a unique name!)

 

[GreatDaneMom]

We didn't find the Straw Market to be scary. It was a little tight and crowded and the people selling were quite "determined" but there was nothing scary there. You just have to be good at saying "no thank you!" It's an easy walk from the ship through a very populated area. It's worth a try if it's your first time in Nassau.

We actually bought more things in the building you go through just as you get off of the ship. I guess it's the customs building? We found some beautiful shells and wood carvings there. Enjoy!

Cheryl

 

[kedz]

Wait,they have knock off bags there?

 

[LCTsMom]

Wait,they have knock off bags there?

Yes. I can't remember how many, I wasn't looking for them. My mom found a lady with a bunch of them, and she haggled a bit. The bag is really nice, she was very happy with it!

 

[kedz]

Now,I'm really hoping I have time to get to the Straw Market and the Atlantis!

 

[PatricenPete]

I hated the straw market. I had very long hair the first (and only) time that I went to the straw market and there were women coming after me from all sides grabbing my hair, wanting me to have it braided, etc, etc, etc. Some of these women just would not take no for an answer. We left as quickly as it took us to walk there and I will never go again. In fact, we most likely won't even be getting off the ship in Nassau.

 

[DisneyAngel05]

What are the straw products like? Are they good quality?
Australian customs laws are extremely strict - I am afraid I will buy something and it will not be allowed in!

 

[tmcgin710395]

If you have ever been to a swap meet, then you have essentially been to the Straw Market. We found that while some of the items were relatively cheap and cost could be negotiated; it wasnt worth it. You can find the same types of items in stores on the streets of Nassau and it you work on it a little, the cost is about the same.

 

[disneypoor]

There were coach purses, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Kate Spade for sure. There may have been other kinds but I know for sure those were there. We went through the straw market after we got done playing at Atlantis.

 

[weloveDCL]

the straw market does have tons of faux designer bags..

Never pay more than 1/2 of what they are asking.. NEVER.. my husband and i played.. daddy tight wads and the spoiled brat wife.. i'd whine.. he'd be a jerk..we made out like bandits.. we had a blast and there should be time to do both.. we shopped and ate and took the wrong bus... thank goodness my dd opted to stay on board.. we saw nassau.. boy did we see it.. never felt unsafe.. but, we had an interesting day..

 

[Floridagram]

The straw market is a cultural experience. I think everyone should go just to see it. It can be annoying because they badger you, and if you keep looking you can find the same thing cheaper. Just politely say no and keep moving.
Remember that most of these people live in poverty unknown to us and it will help you have more patience with them.

I do want to warn you all about the knock off purses. I got one in St. Maarten and I used it about 2 months and the handles are starting to tear. Even a cheap purse from Target or Walmart lasts longer than this one did. So while it seems like a deal it really isn't if you can only use it 2 months.

Nothing worse than using a knock off purse that shouts to the world, I'm a knock off, look at my handles! I think I paid $45 for it, boy was the joke on me!

 

[MassDisLovers]

The knock-off purses aren't the only things that you need to be aware of in the Straw Market in Nassau! It is THE BIGGEST drug market on the island - this is a quote from a judge in the Nassau court. Beware of people selling cigars - while most of them are authentic cigars, many of the sellers are also selling marijuana. They will tell you that it's legal in the Bahamas to buy 1 or 2 "specials" . IT'S NOT !!! We know of two college age kids who made this very bad decision to buy cigars and "an extra". It turned out to be a nighmare for them and their parents. They had to pay a fine (no arrest, no record, thank goodenss but that was only because they only had 1 joint. If you have slightly more they will charge you with "intent to distribute" and you'll be there for at least 6 months !) The judge said that the police love to get tourists on this, but that they NEVER go into the Straw market with the drug dogs. So - be careful what you are buying - maybe save your cigar buying for the ship only.

 

[HollyTyler]

What I loved about the Straw Market is actually seeing the women making the straw bags. Actually, I think the ones I saw were weaving the strips that they later sew together to make the bags, but it was neat to watch them. And the woman I bought my bag from sews a little tag inside that says, "Handmade in Nassau by ___________" with her name. Maybe I'm just corny, but I really liked that extra touch. I never once haggled on prices of the handmade stuff because of the poverty those people live in and the work that goes into making the items I was looking at. Just don't make eye contact unless you know it's something you want to buy! That makes it easier to keep repeating, "No thanks, just looking" as you walk through.

 

[nokidz]

does anyone have pictures of the straw market?

 

[LCTsMom]

does anyone have pictures of the straw market?

This is the only one I got, sorry.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

does anyone have pictures of the straw market?

If you go to Photobucket and do a search for "straw market" you will find a bunch of different pictures people have taken, both inside and out.

 

[thompson princesses]

I love the straw market. I have bought many purses there. Only had a problem with one of them. You have to know what you are looking for. Most of the louie purses are of bad quality there. I know the Spade and Dooney & Bourke were great. Bought several over 2 yrs ago and are real leather and no splits or zipper problems....BUT BEWARE...I love the experience and even bring my kids so I feel safe but watch your purse or wallet. I saw a man's wallet stolen out of his back pocket. It is so crowded in there and people are constantly bumping into you. Well sometimes it is done to steal your wallet. We were too intimidated and shocked to say anything.

 

[ladysoleil]

We weren't big fans of the Straw Market and instead hit some of the little local shops for our souveniers. Trust me, walk a block in any direction and you will find a place to shop, no worries. The little market at the cruise terminal had some pretty Christmas tree ornaments and handicrafts.

We felt safe enough at the Market, but didn't really want to be haggled at and the shops around town are quieter. If you go, and you should peek in and at least take a look, be prepared to say "No, thank you" in a friendly way if you are not interested.

I would suggest that if you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail and/or wear a sun hat. It does deter the hair braiders slightly and I notice I didn't get my hair grabbed as often as others have. They are friendly, but very aggressive- they even asked my (bald!) hubby if he wanted his hair braided and when he laughed and said no, they told him that he should pay to get mine done, then. Creative and funny, but no thanks!

 

[Lthouseprincess]

Make sure if you but a purse that you test all zippers and latches. I have had a few where the zipper did not un zip and re zip and one where the latch was broke ( i just super glued it)

My absoulte favortie item i bought there was when we did the 4nt wonder followed by the 10 night wonder. we spent hours in there and it was hot as ever, so I finally caved and bought a straw fan ($6) with my name on it. It was really pretty. It came in handy all cruise long! I called it my best friend! I had got a little sea sick and it helped so much. That was back in September, I still have it, it has been throgh a lot and it is still in great shape! Those make really great gifts and you many people went lower on the price.