Jack’s of Fiji: A FULL Fiji Shopping Review

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A Shopper’s Paradise: Jack’s of Fiji

As we stepped into Jack’s of Fiji, we were greeted with warm bula smiles, setting the perfect tone for our shopping adventure. This iconic chain of stores is a treasure trove of authentic Fijian crafts and souvenirs, offering something for every taste and budget.

A Feast for the Eyes

The first thing that caught our eye, especially in the Nadi, Sigatoka and Suva stores, was the soft lighting illuminating an impressive array of South Pacific pearls. But that was just the beginning! Every wall and shelf space was adorned with authentic Fijian crafts.

We marvelled at the tanoa bowls used in traditional kava ceremonies, intricately carved mako masks, and cute lali drums (you’ll recognise these at your resort or when it’s church time in the villages). The tapa (masi) clothes featuring traditional motifs were stunning, and our personal favourite was the beautifully crafted maps of Fiji.

Something for Everyone

Robin couldn’t help but pick up a war club (boys will be boys!), while Laura was drawn to the more practical souvenirs. If you’re after those quintessential holiday mementos like magnets, keychains, or Fiji Bitter beer holders, they’ve got you covered.

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The Flagship Store Experience

The Nadi Town store of Jack’s of Fiji is particularly impressive. Don’t miss the upstairs section, where Robin had a lot of fun trying on bula shirts.

For those seeking more versatile pieces, the locally oriented store next door offers stylish options that work well both in Fiji and back home.

Tropical Fashion Finds

What really impressed us across all of the Jack’s of Fiji stores was the clothing selection. Forget your run-of-the-mill “I Love Fiji” t-shirts – Jack’s of Fiji offers a fantastic range of tropical wear that wouldn’t look out of place in a local’s wardrobe.

As mentioned, we particularly loved the colourful bula shirts, perfect for embracing the Fiji vibe. Laura was particularly smitten with the Rip Curl range of stylish surfwear. And for those looking for something a bit more elegant, there was an array of flowy, tropical dresses – a rare find for us holidaymakers from New Zealand!

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Fiji Mabe Pearl Collection

During our visit to Jack’s of Fiji in Denarau, we stumbled upon a truly unique treasure: the Fiji Mabe Pearl collection. These aren’t your average pearl necklaces, folks! What sets Mabe pearls apart is their formation between the oyster’s membrane and shell, allowing artisans to get creative with shaping and engraving.

We were particularly impressed by the incorporation of traditional Fijian tapa designs. The entire process, from farming to crafting, happens right here in Fiji. The final designs are completed at Jack’s workshop near Nadi. It’s not just about beautiful jewellery; this project is all about ethics and community.

Local Fijian women in remote areas care for the oysters and receive income from pearl sales. We found the necklaces, priced between FJ$99 and FJ$199, to be the most popular items. The store attendant told us that customers love the teardrop shapes and golden tones.

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Discover Hidden Gems at Jack’s of Fiji

While we’ve already raved about the overall shopping experience at Jack’s of Fiji, there’s so much more to discover beyond the racks of colourful clothing and shelves of souvenirs.

Let us take you on a journey through some of the hidden gems and alternative experiences we stumbled upon during our island-hopping adventure.

A Roadtrip Oasis: Baravi Handicrafts

Fancy a pit stop with a twist? Baravi Handicrafts, a Jack’s of Fiji-owned store along the Queens Road on the Coral Coast, is the perfect place to stretch your legs and indulge in some retail therapy. This unexpected gem offers a beautiful selection of carvings, clothing, and jewellery, making it well worth stumbling upon during your Fijian road trip.

The on-site café caters to all appetites, serving everything from quick takeaway pies to sit-down dinners. Be sure to try their must-try Indo-Fijian thalis, pizzas, and burgers; a delightful culinary adventure awaits!

Urban Oasis: Lazy Beans Café

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping in Suva? Head upstairs at the Jack’s of Fiji store to discover Lazy Beans Café. This hidden retreat offers a perfect escape with its balcony seating overlooking Suva’s historical streets.

From here, you can admire the city’s colonial architecture while enjoying some of the best WiFi in town (or, dare we say, in all of Fiji!). It’s the ideal spot to recharge your batteries (both literal and metaphorical) before diving back into your shopping spree.

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Practical Perks

Jack’s of Fiji goes beyond just selling trinkets and treasures. They’ve thought of everything to make your shopping experience smooth sailing.

Their shipping services work with courier companies to ship larger items back home, solving any worries about luggage space if you’ve found the perfect statement piece.

Unlike many shops in Fiji, Jack’s also accepts a wide range of payment methods, ensuring your purchases are hassle-free. These thoughtful touches truly elevate your shopping experience, making Jack’s of Fiji a cut above the rest.

A Treasure Hunt Across Stores

Here’s a top tip from our island-hopping experience: each Jack’s of Fiji store is unique! We quickly learned not to say, “Oh, we’ll just pick that up at the next store.” The inventory varies between locations, so our advice is to snag that cute find when you see it.

While the Nadi Town store boasts the best variety (don’t miss the Corner Café just behind for a mid-shop pick-me-up), every Jack’s of Fiji has something special to discover.

Bargain Hunter’s Delight

For those who love a good deal, keep your eyes peeled for Jack’s of Fiji Discount stores. We’ll leave the thrill of discovering these bargain havens to you – after all, half the fun is in the hunt!

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Supporting Local Artisans

As we’ve already shared our excitement about the shopping experience and hidden gems at Jack’s of Fiji, let’s dive into the brand itself. This locally-owned business doesn’t just stock imported brands; they’ve cultivated 11 exclusive brands of their own, including QAQA, SAC, FIRSTRIBE, Katchi Kids, and Jackie K.

We were particularly drawn to the FIRSTRIBE surf wear – perfect for those Fijian beach days!

What truly sets Jack’s of Fiji apart is their unwavering commitment to supporting local craftspeople and businesses. By focusing primarily on locally-made products rather than imports, they’ve become one of the largest contributors to Fiji’s local industry.

It’s heartening to know that our purchases indirectly support hundreds of people in villages and towns across the Fiji islands. (Talk about shopping with a purpose!)

The Jack’s of Fiji story is one of remarkable growth and community impact. From its humble beginnings as a small handicraft and souvenir store in 1969, it has blossomed into a beloved brand catering to both locals and tourists.

This growth is evident in the quality and variety of products on offer, as well as the warm, welcoming atmosphere in each of their stores.

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Conclusion

As travel writers who’ve explored Fiji’s shopping scene extensively during our two-month research trip, we can confidently say that Jack’s of Fiji stands out as a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to bring home a piece of these beautiful islands.

Whether you’re after authentic Fijian crafts, practical souvenirs, or stylish beachwear, Jack’s offers a shopping experience that’s sure to delight. The friendly staff and wide range of products make it the perfect place to find a memento of your Fijian adventure.

But what truly sets Jack’s apart is its deep connection to the local community. By choosing to shop here, you’re not just picking up a souvenir; you’re actively supporting Fiji’s local economy.

So, next time you’re in Fiji, make sure to pop into a Jack’s store. Trust us, you’ll come away with more than just a sulu or a bottle of coconut oil – you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your retail therapy is making a real difference. Now that’s what we call smart shopping!

The Details

• Departmental Stores
  Nadi
  Port Denarau
  Sigatoka
  Suva
  MHCC Shopping Complex, Suva
  Damodar City Centre, Suva
  Rups Mall, Nakasi
  Nausori
  Lautoka
  Ba
  Labasa
  Savusavu
• Boutique Stores
  Island Artifacts, Port Denarau
  Yanuyanu, Port Denarau
  By the Sea, Port Denarau
  Sheraton Fiji Resort
  The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
  Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
  Tokatoka Resort Hotel
  Double Tree Resort by Hilton Fiji
  Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
  Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
  Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort
  Outrigger on The Lagoon
  The Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
  The Pearl Resort & Spa
• Concept Stores
  Taki Fiji Bitter Shop, Port Denarau
  Rip Curl, Port Denarau
  Rip Curl, Nadi International Airport
  Baby Jack’s
• Open daily with various hours depending on location. Department stores are typically open from 8 am to 7 pm, while boutique stores, including at Denarau, are open until 9 pm.
• More info: www.jacksfiji.com