Male is the main shopping destination in the Maldives, with stores offering goods from around the world along its streets. Maldives is hardly a shopping paradise, but it does offer some interesting products and souvenirs. Male, which has a large number of local markets and stores, is the hub of Maldivian shopping. Since taking a speedboat to any island is expensive and difficult, you can also purchase gifts and souvenirs from the duty-free stores at the Male airport. Maldivian sarongs, shell jewelry, Maldivian mats, and souvenir-style dhonis are a few of the well-liked indigenous items to purchase in the Maldives. Top Retail Locations in the Maldives include:
1. Majeedhee Magu
Male’s major thoroughfare, Majeedhee Magu, stretches from east to west across the island. While it is most known for its apparel, there are many other things that make it a very popular place to buy in the Maldives, such as electronics, cosmetics, purses, accessories, fragrances, watches, shoes, and so on. There are also a few restaurants. It serves a wide range of customers, including those who like locally made goods and those who are searching for global brands.
2. Male Local Market
Male Local Market, which is located on the northern half of the island, is a great place to obtain fresh produce, pickles, dry fruits, snacks, coconut milk, and desserts made locally. Additionally, there are a few gift shops that sell handcrafted goods from the Maldives, such as seashell crafts, lacquer work, wooden crafts like dhonis, and some unusual products like coconut leaf shoes and brooms.
3. Chaandhanee Magu
Also named Singapore Bazaar, this is another popular street market in Male, stretching north to south in the island’s core. Along with all other handicrafts, Thundu Kunaa mats, dhonis, t-shirts, scarves, and sarongs with Maldivian emblems are available. Chaandhanee Magu is a unique place to shop in the Maldives because it offers both local and imported goods, most of which are from Singapore (hence the name).
4. The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives
At the multi-island luxury destination CROSSROADS, one of the most popular shopping destinations is The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives. Numerous upscale shops and brands offering clothing, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, souvenirs, and more can be found at the Marina. The designs on a lot of the products are tropical or island-themed. Here are Compass, Hums, Candy Shop, and Raidha, to name a few stores.
5. LeCute
LeCute is a well-known global brand retail establishment located in Malé, Maldives, that specializes in selling beauty products. They sell cosmetics from companies like Benefit, MAC, and Maybelline, such as eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters, lip balms, blush, lipsticks, and so forth. Here you can get fragrances for both men and women along with skincare items like body washes, lotions, moisturizers, and soaps. In addition, accessories and products for body care are offered here.
6. Redwave Mega Mall
The largest mall in the Maldives is called Redwave Mega Mall, and it is located on the island of Hulhumalé. It is well-known for a number of companies that sell a wide range of goods, such as electronics, furniture, consumables, and home goods. The majority of the goods offered here are reasonably priced.
7. Arena Souvenirs
Arena Souvenirs, a tourist gift shop mostly selling greeting cards, stamps, toys, souvenirs, accessories, art supplies, etc., is situated on the Maafushi island in the Maldives. Key chains, seashells, t-shirts, wooden bowls, purses, fridge magnets, and other products are among those offered here. Reasonable rates are charged for the products.
8. Golden Gate
A few areas in the Maldives are home to Golden Gate, a shopping center that was formerly known as Golden Lane. It offers a large assortment of furniture, cookware, and home accents like ovens, tables, glass bowls, shelves, and bicycles. Here you may also purchase watches, purses, luggage, clothing, shoes, and perfumes. All of these products are fairly priced, and Golden Gate provides delivery services.
9. Malls and Supermarkets
There aren’t many huge, opulent shopping centers in the Maldives. Hulhumale Island’s Centro Mall is a great location to visit if you’re looking for worldwide brands, entertainment, dining options, and gaming all under one roof. On the other hand, residents frequently visit some supermarkets for their everyday requirements. These include Agora and Red Wave in Male, the S.T.O. Trade Center, and a few others on neighboring islands. You can visit some of these for some shopping in the Maldives as they also feature gift shops.
10. Male International Airport
Since travelling to these shops is not very convenient if you are not staying in Male, you can shop for souvenirs and gifts at the Male International Airport. There are several small stalls at the airport after the customs clearance counter. You can buy items like Thundu Kunaa, Lacquer products, Dhonis, Maldivian Sarongs, Coconut items, and traditional jewellery here. The prices for these items might be more than what you get on the main island.