One of the “attraction” the Paradise island of Mauritius has to offer its visitors is shopping for clothes.
In the early 80s, in order to boost the local industries, the government offered many benefits and tax cuts to the textile industries, which with the years have become one of the pillars of the local economy.
As such, most of the local production is exported, but there are various factory shops and designer ones spread around the island, offering the latest designs in excellent quality as well as outlets of many world renowned brands.
Most of the shops concentrate around the city of Curepipe, in the center of the island.
Once there be sure to visit the Floreal Knitwear museum. While at the museum you can check out the neighboring stores where you might even find great bargains which you’d usually pay for several $$, for less then 10$.
In order to get Floreal you should take the bus from Vacoas or Curepipe central bus stations (not recommended for families or those afraid of getting a bit dirty – price = around 10 Rupees) or get a taxi which shouldn’t take you more then 5-8 minutes from any of those cities (the price for such a ride should be around 50 to 100 Rupees).
While in Curepipe, be sure to visit the Garden Village, which is a very nice and cozy commercial center with various tourist shops (souvenirs, clothing, ship models, café…).
If you prefer searching for bargains, we would suggest you get inside the city center and those local shopping centers where the price difference might be very significant. In Curepipe one should visit the Arcades Currimjee, Arcades Sallafa as well as the city’s main street ; the Royal Road.
