Introduction
One of the biggest joys of a trip to Guam is shopping! However, many people might wonder, ‘Where should I go with limited time?’, ‘How can I buy inexpensive souvenirs for everyone?’, or ‘Where should I look for a treat for myself?’
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the real shopping scene in Guam, useful for everyone from short-term visitors to long-term residents. We’ll introduce carefully selected, must-visit spots, from classic large supermarkets to outlets where you can find hidden gems, and even local-focused shops that have recently gained popularity. Let’s dive into the local vibe and smart shopping tips to ensure a satisfying souvenir hunt!
GIFT GUAM
📍 Address: Tumon Lane, Tumon, 96913 Guam
Located in an excellent spot right next to T Galleria in the heart of Tumon, ‘GIFT GUAM’ is a souvenir shop that has rapidly gained popularity among tourists in recent years. Upon entering the store, you’ll be greeted by bright, Guam-inspired wall art, making it a popular spot for Instagram photos. This is actually one of the few stores officially recognized by the Guam government to carry ‘MADE IN GUAM’ products, making it perfect for those seeking authentic local souvenirs.
The biggest appeal of this store is its unique selection of items not found in other common convenience stores or supermarkets. For instance, Hawaii’s popular ‘LION’ coffee is sold here at one of Guam’s lowest prices, and they also stock over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol for unexpected ailments, plus soothing massage creams for sunburns. With the increasing number of Korean tourists, they also offer a wide variety of Korean instant noodles, perfect for a late-night snack.
Furthermore, with friendly staff fluent in Japanese, you can feel at ease even if you’re unsure about choosing souvenirs. They sometimes run delightful promotions, such as receiving a Guam doll when your combined receipts exceed $100, making bulk purchases worthwhile. Their high level of hospitality, even exchanging leftover small change for bills at the register, is highly praised by tourists.
Guam Premier Outlets
📍 Address: 199 Chalan San Antonio Ste 200, Tamuning, 96913 Guam
Guam Premier Outlets (GPO), the island’s only outlet mall, is a convenient shopping destination accessible in about 10 minutes from the Tumon area by red shuttle bus or rental car. The mall isn’t too large, making it easy to navigate, yet it offers a rich selection. American brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, in particular, are often available at better prices than in Japan, so they’re worth checking out.
Among its offerings, the discount store ‘Ross Dress for Less’ (Ross) is an absolute must-visit. This place is always bustling with locals and tourists alike, offering a ‘treasure hunt’ experience where you can find incredible deals on clothes, shoes, daily necessities, and even toys. With a bit of persistence, you might even snag famous brand items at unbelievable prices. Be aware, though, that the checkouts can get very crowded, so it’s best to go with plenty of time.
Take a break from shopping at the well-equipped food court. With popular American fast-food options like Panda Express for Chinese and Taco Bell for Mexican, it’s a two-birds-one-stone spot where you can grab a meal and shop all at once. Recently, new souvenir-perfect shops have also emerged, such as ‘GUMA Maker’s Market,’ featuring crafts by local Guam creators, and ‘Guam Cookie Story,’ offering adorable trolley bus-shaped cookie tins, making it an even more unmissable destination.
JP Superstore
📍 Address: 1328 Pale San Vitores Rd, Tumon, 96913 Guam
‘JP Superstore’ is directly connected to the Guam Plaza Resort & Spa, making it a very accessible large select shop for tourists staying in the Tumon area. While it previously had a strong high-end apparel focus, it now boasts a wide range of products, from sweets and cosmetics to miscellaneous goods and baby/kids items, acting as a ‘large, tastefully curated souvenir shop’.
A key characteristic here is that the store is impeccably clean, and products are beautifully displayed. Beyond the classic macadamia nut chocolates, a staple for ‘scattered’ souvenirs, you’ll find a collection of premium Guam-made products, such as ‘Latte Stone Cookies’ inspired by Guam’s ancient ruins and the locally beloved ‘Chamorro Chip Cookies,’ all in one place. They also have a rich selection of trendy goods like YETI tumblers and Jellycat plush toys, though due to the weak yen, it’s wise to be mindful of price differences compared to Japan.
For those interested in beauty, the organic cosmetics corner, featuring coconut oil and handmade soaps, is highly recommended. These items, infused with the blessings of the southern island’s nature, are perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for a girlfriend. With a Häagen-Dazs cafe also located on the first floor, cooling down with some ice cream after shopping is a blissful experience. If you want to efficiently gather stylish souvenirs in the hotel district, this is undoubtedly the first place you should visit.
Kmart
📍 Address: 404 North Marine Drive, Harmon Industrial Park, 96913 Guam
If you want to truly experience the feeling of ‘being on an international trip!’, head straight to ‘Kmart’. Its vast interior, much like those on the US mainland, features towering shelves packed with food, daily necessities, clothing, and beach gear. Open 24 hours, many travelers visit right after arriving on late-night or early-morning flights, making it the perfect first stop for stocking up on drinks and snacks for their stay.
Kmart is also your strongest ally when it comes to souvenir hunting. For buying large quantities of inexpensive ‘scattered’ souvenirs like 7D dried mango, macadamia nut chocolates, and colorful, seemingly unhealthy (but delicious!) American-sized snack candies, this is the best place. Depending on the time, you might find staff offering generous ‘unlimited samples’ at the chocolate aisle. They can sometimes be a bit pushy, so politely decline with a smile once you’ve had your fill.
And before or after your shopping, you absolutely must stop at ‘Little Caesars,’ the food space near the entrance. Their pizza is incredibly cheap yet American-sized and filling – a popular comfort food among local students. However, be aware that there may be homeless people congregating outside the store and around the parking lot at certain times, so please be cautious during late-night visits.
Micronesia Mall
📍 Address: Marine Corps Dr, Liguan, 96929 Guam
Boasting one of Guam’s largest areas, ‘Micronesia Mall’ is a massive complex where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment all day long. Its footprint is larger than Tokyo Dome, with shops radiating outwards from a central court. The air conditioning is consistently strong, making it a valuable refuge during hot daytime hours or on rainy days.
An absolute must-visit for shopping is ‘Macy’s,’ a long-established American department store. The children’s clothing section, in particular, frequently has sales on brands like Ralph Lauren and Carter’s, making it a paradise for travelers with kids. You’ll also find another ‘Ross Dress for Less’ here, familiar from GPO, allowing you to go on another treasure-hunt shopping spree. Since the grounds are vast, a smart tip to avoid fatigue is to check a map at the information desk beforehand and narrow down your target stores.
Inside the mall, there’s a huge, perpetual motion-like monument (though it often seems to be out of service now) that once captivated children, as well as an indoor amusement park and a movie theater, all very popular with families. If you get tired from walking, take a break at the tapioca drink shop on the second floor or the newly opened Korean cafe ‘Ediya Coffee’. A ‘Pay-Less’ supermarket is also attached, so it’s fun to browse local ingredients and American daily necessities.
Local Tips for Smart Souvenir Shopping
The key to making your Guam shopping even more fulfilling is to ‘divide by purpose.’ For large quantities of inexpensive ‘scattered’ souvenirs for colleagues and friends, ‘Kmart’ is overwhelmingly recommended for its low prices and ease of bulk buying. On the other hand, if you’re looking for special gifts that prioritize beautiful packaging and ‘Made in Guam’ quality, ‘JP Superstore’ and ‘GIFT GUAM’ are excellent choices.
Furthermore, if you want to snag great deals on apparel and brand-name goods, it’s a golden rule to aim for the sale periods at ‘Guam Premier Outlets’ and ‘Micronesia Mall’. Especially at ‘Ross’, items move quickly, so the secret to avoiding regret is to put what you like into your cart the moment you see it. While the feeling of ‘super cheap’ deals might be less pronounced than before due to the weak yen, encountering large-sized items not found in Japan or vividly designed goods unique to the tropics is a true pleasure of Guam shopping.
For getting around, the ‘red shuttle bus’ connecting major hotels and malls is convenient. However, if you’re traveling with multiple people or have a lot of luggage on your return, using the local ride-sharing app ‘Stroll’ can save significant time and energy. Understand the strengths of each spot to enjoy an efficient and wonderfully fun Guam shopping experience!
