San Andrés has been a duty-free zone (zona franca) since the 1950s and shopping is woven into the identity of the island — many Colombian tourists come specifically to buy electronics, perfume, liquor, and Colombian emeralds at prices far below the mainland. The commercial strip along the north shore is dense with jewellery boutiques and electronics stores. Centro Comercial Unisanandres is the largest mall, with a food court. Colombia Emerald House is worth visiting for the quality of its stones even if you are not buying.
If you are more interested in local crafts, look for Raizal-made coconut woodwork and hand-sewn molas (the colourful fabric panels traditional to the indigenous culture of the archipelago) sold at street stalls and the craft market near the pier.