Located on the mouth of the Demerara River fronting the Atlantic Ocean, Georgetown, originally called Stabroek, was an ideal location for European presence in the Caribbean. Rich in timber, bauxite, gold and diamonds, the land supported sugar cane plantations and enriched the colonial governments.

The Spanish, Dutch, French and English all had their eyes on this region and for years each struggled to possess it. The Dutch initially gained the upper hand and established Stabroek. The British occupied the Dutch colony during the Napoleonic Wars and renamed the capital, and largest city, in 1812 as Georgetown in honor of George Ill.

Part of the intrigue of shopping in Guyana comes from the vendors themselves.  Masters of customer care, vendors entice passing customers with the most endearing or flattering greetings.  You are made to feel as if you are indeed a very special person to the vendor who then goes out of his or her way to make sure that you are perfectly satisfied with the your purchase before wishing you a nice day and bidding you goodbye.

Shopping at the city or village markets is musical treat.  The music emanates not from any musical instrument the stal may have but from the chants and of the vendors and hawkers.  Rythmn and cadence abound even if the words are not easily discernible.  Vowels extend and there is an intricate modulation of the voice to create an orchestra of musical performances at the markets.  This ensemble is but the rhythmic backdrop to your unforgettable shopping experience.

Regent Street, the hub of Georgetown’s shopping, has innumerable boutiques that offer a wide variety of local, ethnic as well as international fashions.   Shopping is not limited to Regent as the Vendors Arcade contains an assortment of nicks and knacks of the fashion world and includes cosmetics, fragrances and an array of accessories.