Mostly Non-Local Items sold by Locals. Very little crafted by local Bahamians. Most everything is ordered and imported from places like China, Indonesia, etc. The items themselves do satisfy your desire for souvinirs from the Bahamas because many of the items are ordered with "Bahamas" written on them and most everything fits an "island" or "sea" theme.

The entire Straw Market is mostly the same inventory and obviously run as one business whereby locals may rent some territory (their booth) and split all the sales with the Straw Market. You're doing a great thing by buying here because you are supporting the local Bahamian salespersons of their booths directly. But, who knows really where the other portion of the profits goes, maybe to a non-local wealthy business person(s) who has markets like this all around the world, or, perhaps it's a government agency that may be corrupt and not re-distributing proceeds back to the local municipalities to benefit the people. Who knows? 🤷‍♂️ It's not transparent so therefore it's very likely corrupt since it can be. Anyway, not to be negative. The positive is the local salesperson is earning your money. And that is good.

Most anything you see in one booth is found in other booths in different colors and styles. So don't get stuck chatting with one local if you'd like to look around more. Just say "I'm going to keep looking but thank you." If you'd like to keep walking when a salesperson greets you just say "I'm just looking thanks" or "just browsing" or "thank you" and keep moving.

If you are really experienced with these kinds of tourist markets you may be able to find some items actually hand-made by local craftsmen. Carvings and such. Also some of the ladies can do custom stitching upon request, to put, for example, your name on a clothing item.

Be forewarned you will have a mixed experience with different vendors. Some have a polite passive sales style. Most are easy and fun. But a few can be aggressive in their approach. I had one lady stuff the item we were haggling about INTO my bag and then tell me to give her the money. That is pretty forward and aggressive. Some of them will have less patience or good natured attitude. My recommendation: do not stay with a particular vendor for very long at all. Because once their "cheery" facade wears off, if it does, they can adopt an angrier or more emotional tone. You can avoid that by moving and keeping walking away before you are too "time invested" into any one vendor. Again, it's ALL THE SAME inventory the entire Straw Market wide.

Some vendors can take credit cards but must charge an extra $5 fee for processing. So save such a transaction for a larger purchase to get your best deal out of it.

This is a positive review. The tone of my review is positive. Perhaps it doesn't sound like that, but it actually is. The Straw Market is fun and you should buy what you want. I just feel it's helpful to know more about what it is and how it works and where your money is going. Safe travels! 🛳 🌴 🏖