Shopping in Samoa takes on a carnival appeal, with a melange of colours, artefacts, traditional fare and bargaining power! Popular Samoan shopping items include lavalava (sarongs) and handicrafts. Staff at hotels in Samoa can be helpful with Samoan shopping tips.
This Samoa shopping guide provides you with some handy information about shopping hours, what to buy and where the best shopping is. After an exciting day of shopping, why not pull up a chair and enjoy some of the sensational Samoan food and cuisine.
Samoa Shopping Guide
Business Hours
Business hours in Samoa are generally Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:30. Lunch is from 12:00 to 13:00, and some shops and businesses may be closed for lunch. Saturday business hours are from 08:00 to 12:30. There is no Sunday trading, so buy what you need on Saturday. All business and shops are closed, with the exception of some convenience stores.
Markets
Apia Flea Market
The Apia Flea Market is open all day and offers a wide range of handicrafts, imported goods, small convenience stores and food stalls.
Apia Fish Market
Located adjacent to the Flea Market, the Fish Market is open from 05:30 to 11:00 and sells the daily catch.
Apia New Market
Located on Fugalei Street, and also known as the Maketi Fou. This is Apia's main produce market. Fresh produce, cooked meals and local handicrafts are all sold here. The first time you try a bowl of Kava is an unforgettable experience!
Handicrafts
Samoan handicrafts include wood carvings and woven bags, baskets and mats. Traditional wood carvings include Kava bowls, walking sticks and war clubs (full size or miniature). Bags, baskets and mats are woven from narrow strips of leaves. The traditional toga, the highest quality and most beautiful mat, is made from strips of pandanus leaves.
Lavalava
The lavalava (sarong) is an ideal dress in warm, tropical Samoa. Apart from pure comfort, the colours, patterns and motifs can be spectacular and stunning. Well worth a purchase!
Tattoos
Originally meant only for women of rank in Samoa, traditional Samoan tattoos (pe'a) somehow filtered down to men. Because of the distinction attached, tattooing became very popular among the youths of Samoa who considered tattoos to be a mark of their manhood. Wander into on of the local Samoan tattoo shops and have a look at the intricate Polynesian patterns.
Shopping Places
Lucky's Foodtown
Up-market, clean and tidy operation with butchers, bakery, fresh and frozen local and imported produce, wines and spirits plus a variety of imported beers. Open Monday - Saturday 07:00-19:00.
Vaea Street, Saleufi
+685 22363
lucky@ipasifika.net
Frankie's Supermarkets
Freezer goods, clothing, general merchandise, homeware, kitchenware, appliances, etc. Very popular with the locals due to competitive pricing. Outlets at Matautu-tai, Lalovaea and Fugalei, opposite the New Market.
Opposite the New Market
Chan Mow & Sons
Large supermarket with freezer goods, groceries, foodstuff, drapery and bakery. Open Monday - Wednesday 08:00-17:00; Thursday - Friday 08:00-18:00 and Saturday 08:00-13:00.
Opposite the Clock Tower in the heart of Apia
+685 22615
Treasure Box Samoa
14ct Samoan and Polynesian jewellery, watches. Black Pearl jewellery handcrafted by their qualified jeweller is a speciality.
Chandra House, Convent Street
+685 20470
treasure-box@lesamoa.net
MD's Big Fresh
Wide variety of local and imported produce, fresh milk, yoghurt, cheese, frozen food, dessert, snacks, ice-cream, drinks, overseas newspapers and magazines available in air conditioned comfort from Monday to Saturday 06:00-19:00.
Bakery, butchers, imported and local produce, cheese, wines and spirits, variety of imported beers and pre-mixed drinks.
Moto'otua, 100m from the National Hospital
+685 200275
AQM
Specialises in freshness and quality in clean air conditioned surroundings. Imports fresh meat, fresh fruits, pork, lamb, cheese, wine, yoghurt, chocolate from New Zealand and Australia.
Vaea Street, Saleufi
+685 23946
Auto Super Center
Asian and imported goods, groceries, furniture, clothing from three supermarkets located at Vaimoso, Matautu-tai and Taufusi.
Vaea Street, Saleufi
+685 25463
Mena Designer Boutique
Locally designed and crafted outfits, hand-painted, puletasis, mens shirts, traditional wear, personalised fittings.
