Why Supporting Local Businesses is Essential for St. Croix’s Growth

Whether you’ve lived on St. Croix your entire life, recently moved here, or are planning your next vacation to the island, one thing holds true: supporting local businesses is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the island’s future.

On St. Croix, small businesses aren’t just shops and services. They’re neighbors, culture-keepers, and the backbone of our economy. Every dollar spent at a local business ripples through the community—creating jobs, preserving heritage, and shaping the vibrant lifestyle we all love.

Let’s explore why shopping local matters and how we can all play a part, no matter how long we’re staying.

1. Local Businesses Keep St. Croix Unique

We don’t have big-box stores on every corner—and that’s part of what makes St. Croix so special. The island’s charm is built on the creativity, hard work, and heart of small business owners.

Take ib Designs, for example. Located in downtown Christiansted, this jewelry studio has been crafting handmade Crucian bracelets and island-inspired pieces for over two decades. Every item is designed and produced locally by artisans, telling a story of place and culture.

When you choose to buy a bracelet from ib Designs, you’re not just getting a beautiful piece of jewelry—you’re supporting a tradition and a family that has poured years into their craft.

2. Supporting Local = Supporting Local Families

Every purchase from a small shop, farmer’s market stall, or service provider is a vote for the island’s people.

Take Savant Restaurant, one of Christiansted’s most beloved dining spots. Locally owned and operated, Savant sources fresh ingredients from nearby farms and fishermen. The staff is made up of Crucians and longtime residents who know their regulars by name. Eating there doesn’t just support one business—it supports local agriculture, employment, and the wider economy.

Whether you're enjoying a farm-to-table dinner, hiring a local tour guide, or picking up handmade soaps from a roadside vendor, you’re helping someone send their kids to school, pay a mortgage, or grow their dream.

3. Tourism Thrives When We Preserve Local Character

Visitors come to St. Croix for more than the beaches. They come to experience something real—something they can’t find anywhere else.

When we uplift local businesses, we create an authentic experience that attracts travelers looking to explore island life beyond the resorts. That means more tourism dollars stay on island, helping the entire community thrive.

Local experiences to recommend (or enjoy yourself):

• A guided hike through the rainforest with a local expert

• Shopping for handmade artwork or clothing in downtown Frederiksted

• Booking a sailing excursion with a locally owned charter company

These are the moments that create lasting impressions—and keep people coming back.

4. Newcomers: Here’s How to Shop Local From Day One

If you’ve recently moved to St. Croix, welcome! One of the best ways to settle in and feel at home is to get to know your local businesses.

• Explore farmer’s markets like the La Reine Market on Saturdays.

• Buy your gifts and essentials from locally owned shops before heading to Amazon.

• Follow local makers and restaurants on social media—many share specials and new arrivals online.

• Ask your neighbors for recommendations. The best finds often come through word-of-mouth.

You'll be surprised how quickly you build connections and community just by choosing local when you can.

5. Every Purchase Counts—Even the Small Ones

Supporting local doesn’t always mean big spending. Grabbing your morning coffee from a neighborhood café, tipping your hairdresser, or picking up lunch from a food truck are small choices that make a big difference over time.

Even visitors can have a lasting impact just by choosing local during their stay.

Together, We Grow Stronger

St. Croix is a special place because of its people—and those people power the island’s small businesses. When we support them, we’re not just helping the economy. We’re keeping the island’s soul intact.

So whether you’re picking up a handcrafted gift, dining out, or hiring a local tradesperson, know this: you’re helping St. Croix grow in all the right ways.

Let’s keep our dollars circulating right here at home.

Looking to relocate to St. Croix or build a life here full-time? I’d love to help you explore homes and neighborhoods that match your lifestyle. Supporting local starts with choosing to live local—and I’m here to help every step of the way.

Reach out today to get started.