hoping someone can recommend a good place to buy souvenirs now that Rima's has moved. Staying in the Orient area. Thanks.

Depending on what you're looking for, the Marigot marketplace usually has souveniers and other miscellaneous items that might qualify.

I'll also recommend the market in Marigo. They have everything Rima's had plus artisans who sell their art work, jewelry and more. Best days to go are Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In the Orient area, the shops at Paradise View have souvenirs, and you can also enjoy a great breakfast there.

There are 16 Shipwreck Shops around the island. They carry many local products such as Ma Doudou, Antilles Spices and St. Maarten Nectar Bath & Beauty Products. They also sell a wide assortment of other souveniers.

http://www.shipwreckshops.com/

I second the shops at Paradise View.Great prices ,good things and always fantastic service.Try to avoid the bus tourists because it is not a huge spot.

If you are looking for beach clothes, etc, I would suggest buying from your local beach lady. You may be paying a couple of dollars more than you did at Rimas, but you will be supporting the hard working beach vendors who struggle to make a living.

And get all the soiled ones too.

I generally always look when the ladies come by at Mullet, but usually they just don't have what I want. I do feel sorry for them, trudging up and down in that hot sun, with jeans on, so sometimes I buy something that I don't really want..

Second the Shipwreck Shops - wide selections of all sorts of things that may be of interest.

Also Rima on line - I love their men's shirts, shipping by FedEx is inexpensive and fast and Rima has in the past tossed in a couple of extra shirts free with my order.
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RIMA's

I enjoy the vendors right on Orient Beach, such as Sexy Fruits as well as the boutiques inside the big beach institutions such as Bikini, Kakao and KonTiki.

If you are looking for the Rima type stuff there are a couple of shops open behind the new much discussed beach bars on Orient Beach. Very nice lady is set up behind orange fever. Or like Carol said buy from any of the people walking the beach. I too admire how hard they work.

I enjoy at least looking in the beach boutiques! (sometimes find something fairly affordable!) Also get a few things from Francois every year, such a great guy! Then last year there was that gorgeous French girl walking on Orient with crocheted tops, had to get one! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />