Shopping

Placencia is not really known as a shopping town, but the more you get to know the village you'll discover some nice ways to support the local economy!

Gift Shops

The main wares you will find on the peninsula are novelty crafts and souvenirs.There are gift shops at most of the hotels and cabanas in the area, such as at Dianni’s Guesthouse. However, there are also separate boutiques like the Lost In Paradise Beach Shop, Beach Bazaar, Creole Gal, Robert’s Grove and Sunova Beach. Beach Bazaar probably has the best selection, with everything from traditional souvenirs to high-quality ceramic pieces.

Fine art can also be found at Art ‘N’ Soul on the sidewalk or Lola’s Art Gallery in Seine Bight, which both feature the works of local artists. For precious stones and metals, try Jap’s Jewelry. In Maya Beach, Spectarte Gallery is developing a sizeable collection of Belizean paintings, sculptures, furniture and crafts, while Maya Carvers (between Green Parrot and Maya Beach Hotel) display unique wood and stone carvings.

Mayan Souvenirs, Hammocks and Masks - Haggle away!

In small numbers, people walk the beach and streets selling Mayan baskets, carvings, fabrics and decorative items (like beaded bracelets and coin purses). Generally these people have some crafts that were actually made in their own villages, and through a little friendly interrogation you might find out where each item really comes from and whether it's handmade or mass-produced. Bright colored hammocks and painted masks are on display outside tiny shops selling the same types of things. Have fun bargaining with these vendors.

Clothing

A new designer is on the scene in Placencia, creating dresses and other lightweight casual chic clothes. Tracey Williams displays her talents in a new shop called The Gifted Boutique , located right above Wendy's Restaurant in Placencia Village. Sisters Bryce and Cassie can also dress you up in The Joint Boutique, right near Scotia Bank. For inexpensive basics there are other little shops and even occasional street vendors. Most resort gift shops have resort-wear like t-shirts, caps and coverups, and the gift shops at Turtle Inn and Roberts Grove also carry swimwear and other clothing. Dive shops usually carry a small range of aquatic gear and underwater cameras.  If you forget to pack your underwear, try Wallens Warehouse/Hardware (really!) or the shop next to Veronica's market.

Grocery Stores and Delis

For groceries, there are a variety of options in Placencia, such as Tommy's Market (formerly Olga’s Grocery). Veronica's, basicallly next to what is now Tommy's near the dock, sells fresh fruits and vegetables, also shrimp and items such as "Spanish Cream."  (Nobody seems to know exactly what Spanish Cream is, but it's really good in savory sauces; it's some form of creme fraiche.  Sort of like sour cream, but not as sour, and more salt.). Everyday Market (located in Placencia at the same location that formerly housed Dis ‘n’ Dat) has a good selection of packaged foods and local staples. Other grocery stores are the Placencia Grocery (there is a new grocery store at this location, but it is leased out and no longer operated by Verly and Mike - not sure of the name), In Seine Bight, the new supermarket owned by Elvis is one of the biggest on the peninsula, and just down the road from Elvis' place is the David Perez produce shop.  Maya Point Market (in Maya Beach), is more often referred to as "Doris' Shop" and has somewhat sparse inventory and eclectic customer base.  Also in Maya Beach is a new prepared-foods takeout joint called Maya Goodness doing comfort foods like meatloaf, mac 'n cheese, cookies and cakes.

The town also has a bakery with fresh bread every day, and cinnamon rolls on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Several vegetable vendors in trucks visit the area, including Greg, who usually has a pretty good supply of most of the basics.