π The flea market scene in The Bahamas is dominated by its world-famous Straw Markets, which are treasure troves for resellers focused on authentic, handmade crafts. Beyond the tourist-centric markets, resellers can find value in local thrift stores and periodic community flea markets, offering everything from second-hand clothing to unique household items. Success lies in distinguishing high-quality, locally made goods from mass-produced souvenirs and knowing the right platforms, like Facebook Marketplace and BahamasLocal.com, to resell them on.
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Nassau Straw Market
π Nassau
π
Address
Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas
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Open
Daily, approx. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (vendor hours vary)
The largest and most famous market in The Bahamas, this bustling, air-conditioned hall features hundreds of vendors. It's a mix of authentic local crafts and imported souvenirs, requiring a keen eye to spot the real treasures.
π° What to buy here
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Authentic Hand-Woven Straw Bags
Buy15-40 BSD
β
Sell online50-90 BSD on Facebook Marketplace, or up to 120 USD on eBay
Look for tight, intricate weaving and unique patterns. Avoid bags with plastic linings or glued-on shells.
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Hand-Carved Wooden Sculptures
Buy20-50 BSD
β
Sell online60-150 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Seek out carvings from native woods like mahogany or lignum vitae. Ask the carver about the story behind the piece.
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Conch Shell Jewelry
Buy5-15 BSD
β
Sell online25-45 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Focus on unique designs and quality of the shell carving. Pieces combined with silver or other metals have higher value.
Tip:Go early on a weekday (8-10 AM) to avoid the cruise ship crowds. Build a rapport with a few of the older artisans who are often located in the less-trafficked corners; they sell the most authentic work.
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π
Port Lucaya Marketplace
π Freeport
π
Address
Sea Horse Rd, Freeport, The Bahamas
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Open
Daily, 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM (shop hours are typically 10 AM - 6 PM)
The commercial heart of Grand Bahama, this large, open-air marketplace features over 100 shops, stalls, and restaurants. It has a dedicated straw market section and various craft centres alongside duty-free boutiques.
π° What to buy here
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Androsia Batik Fabric & Clothing
Buy20-40 BSD for a sarong or shirt
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Sell online60-100 BSD on Tingsea or Facebook Marketplace.
Look for vibrant, unique patterns. Authentic Androsia fabric has a distinctive handmade quality and often a signature stamp.
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Handmade Coconut Shell Crafts
Buy10-25 BSD
β
Sell online30-60 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Prioritize items with detailed carving or painting. Polished, well-finished pieces sell best.
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Vintage Duty-Free Perfume & Jewelry
BuyVaries (30-100 BSD)
β
Sell online70-250 BSD on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for rare finds.
Explore the smaller, independent jewelry and perfume shops for discontinued or vintage stock that may be undervalued.
Tip:Check the event schedule for Count Basie Square. Live music nights draw big crowds, but also more vendors with unique items. The craft stalls furthest from the main square often have better prices.
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Bahamas Humane Society Thrift Shop
π Nassau
π
Address
35 Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham, Nassau, The Bahamas
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Open
Wed-Fri: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
A classic thrift shop run by the BHS, offering donated goods to raise funds for animal welfare. It's a prime spot for finding second-hand clothing, housewares, books, and unexpected treasures.
π° What to buy here
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Resort Wear & Designer Clothing
Buy5-20 BSD
β
Sell online25-60 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Check for high-end brands donated by wealthy residents and tourists. Look for linen shirts, dresses, and swimwear.
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Vintage Books on Bahamian History/Marine Life
Buy1-5 BSD
β
Sell online20-50 USD on eBay to international buyers.
Look for older, out-of-print editions with interesting illustrations or local significance.
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British Colonial-Era Housewares
Buy5-25 BSD
β
Sell online40-100 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Search for old china, silver-plated utensils, or crystal that may have been in local families for generations.
Tip:Visit on a Wednesday afternoon right after they've processed weekend donations. The best items often get put out early in the week.
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Doongalik Studios Farmers' Market
π Nassau
π
Address
20 Village Rd, Nassau, The Bahamas
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Open
Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Often closed for a summer break)
An upscale craft and farmer's market held on the grounds of a prominent art gallery. This market features high-quality, curated vendors selling authentic Bahamian arts, crafts, baked goods, and natural products.
π° What to buy here
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Artisanal Hand-Plaited Straw Hats
Buy40-80 BSD
β
Sell online100-200 BSD on Tingsea or an international platform like Ets
These are gallery-quality pieces. Look for vendors like 'Rosa Tees' who use traditional techniques and superior materials.
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Handmade Soaps & Skincare
Buy8-15 BSD
β
Sell online25-40 BSD per set on Facebook Marketplace.
Focus on products using native ingredients like coconut oil, sea salt, or hibiscus. Great for bundling into gift sets.
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Gourmet Jams & Pepper Jellies
Buy10-15 BSD
β
Sell online30-50 BSD on BahamasLocal.com, especially around holidays.
Look for unique local flavors like guava, mango, or goat pepper. These have strong local and tourist appeal.
Tip:This is not a place for haggling. Prices are fair for the quality. Focus on learning the stories behind the products from the artisans themselves to use in your online listings.
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The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store
π Nassau
π
Address
31 Mackey St, Nassau, The Bahamas
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Open
Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
A large, well-known thrift store offering a wide range of second-hand goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and household items. A classic sourcing spot for resellers looking for low-cost inventory.
π° What to buy here
π
Men's Clothing & Shoes
Buy3-15 BSD
β
Sell online20-50 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Often a less-picked-over section than womenswear. Look for quality brands and items in good condition.
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Framed Art & Home Decor
Buy10-30 BSD
β
Sell online40-90 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Look for tropical or nautical-themed art that appeals to the local and vacation-home market. The frame itself can be worth more than the price.
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Children's Toys and Games
Buy2-10 BSD
β
Sell online15-35 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Check for complete board games or vintage toys that might have collectible value.
Tip:Furniture and large items are often in the back. Ask about their donation days; shopping the following day can yield the best finds.
π
George Town Straw Market
π George Town
π
Address
Queen's Highway, George Town, Exuma, The Bahamas
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Open
Mon-Sat, approx. 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A charming and relaxed open-air market in the heart of Exuma's capital. Local vendors, often found weaving on-site, sell their crafts under a giant ficus tree. A great place for authentic, non-commercial souvenirs.
π° What to buy here
π§Ί
Exuma-Style Woven Baskets
Buy25-60 BSD
β
Sell online80-150 BSD on Tingsea or to collectors on eBay.
Look for the unique patterns and colors specific to the Exumas. These are highly sought after for their authenticity.
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Handmade Shell & Bead Jewelry
Buy5-20 BSD
β
Sell online25-50 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Find pieces made with local seeds, shells, and beads. These have a more authentic feel than mass-produced jewelry.
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Handmade Straw Dolls
Buy10-20 BSD
β
Sell online30-50 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Look for dolls with detailed clothing and expressive faces. They are popular with both tourists and local collectors.
Tip:This market is much smaller and more personal than Nassau's. Take the time to chat with the vendors; they often have their best work tucked away for interested buyers.
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The Craft Cottage
π Nassau
π
Address
20 Village Rd, Nassau, The Bahamas (at Doongalik Studios)
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Open
Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
A small, curated shop on the Doongalik Studios property that features unique, high-quality crafts from a select group of local artists. It's a step above the average souvenir shop, focusing on unique designs.
π° What to buy here
β¨
Painted Glassware
Buy25-50 BSD
β
Sell online60-120 BSD on Tingsea or Facebook Marketplace.
Look for intricate designs depicting Bahamian flora and fauna. These are fragile but have high resale margins.
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Designer Straw Handbags
Buy50-150 BSD
β
Sell online120-300 BSD on Tingsea or high-end craft sites.
These are fashion items, not just souvenirs. Look for modern designs, leather accents, and quality hardware.
πΌοΈ
Small Original Paintings
Buy75-200 BSD
β
Sell online150-400 BSD on eBay or to art collectors.
Focus on small, easily shippable works from emerging local artists featured in the cottage.
Tip:This is a fixed-price venue. The value is in the uniqueness and quality. Ask the staff about the artists to get stories you can use to market the items online.
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Another Man's Treasure
π Nassau
π
Address
Airport Industrial Park, Nassau, The Bahamas
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Open
Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nassau's premier consignment store for gently used furniture and home goods. They also carry overstock and discontinued items, offering a chance to find high-quality pieces at a good price.
π° What to buy here
ποΈ
Rattan & Wicker Furniture
Buy100-300 BSD
β
Sell online250-600 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
A staple of island decor. Look for sets or unique pieces from brands like Tommy Bahama or similar styles.
π‘
Nautical-Themed Lamps & Decor
Buy20-60 BSD
β
Sell online50-150 BSD on BahamasLocal.com.
Items like lamps with coral bases, ship models, or brass fixtures are always in demand for vacation homes.
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Large Decorative Mirrors
Buy50-150 BSD
β
Sell online120-350 BSD on Facebook Marketplace.
Look for mirrors with unique frames made of driftwood, shells, or carved wood. These are expensive to buy new.
Tip:Check their website or social media for new arrivals. High-quality, brand-name furniture gets listed there first and sells quickly. Be prepared to arrange your own transport.