Kirk History
Kirk Freeport has been a premier retailer of duty free jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal and china, and accessories in the Cayman Islands since 1972.
Owned by the Kirkconnell family, local business and community leaders for six generations, Kirk Freeport is recognized as a world-class marketplace by international designers and manufacturers of high-quality merchandise and stocks over 70 world famous watch and jewelry brands.
The Kirkconnells have always been tied to the sea, going back many generations of captains, seafarers and shipbuilders, which is where the Kirk Freeport ships wheel logo originated. The ships wheel represents the shipping industry which was the family business when the Kirkconnells arrived in the Cayman Islands, the K obviously represents the family name and the spokes of the ships wheel represent the Kirkconnell brothers and how they stuck together. This logo has come to represent quality, value and service. Kirk Freeport was one of the first duty free retailers in the Caribbean for world renowned brands such TAG Heuer, Rolex and Patek Philippe. They soon attracted the attention of many other major brands that you see within the stores today.
Captain Eldon Kirkconnell built Kirk Freeport into the largest independent duty-free enterprise in the Caribbean that we see today, from just a few jewelry counters in the community grocery store in 1972. Kirk Freeport now has 22 stores in the Cayman Islands, and stocks the widest range of duty-free products in the Caribbean. Today in Kirk Freeport stores you can find watches, jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics, crystal, china & leather in price points to suit everyone. You will also find full line boutiques dedicated to the full range of products from TAG Heuer, Cartier, Breitling, Fossil and Swatch. For something a little different there is also Del Sol on Harbour Drive which stocks t shirts, swim wear, sunglasses and accessories that change color in the sun and Cariloha which sell clothing, bed sheets and towels made from incredibly soft bamboo.
Daily operations are now handled by Captain Eldon’s son and daughter Managing Director and Graduate Gemologist Gerry Kirkconnell and by Director Debbie Guyton. Two of Capt. Eldon’s grandchildren, Christopher and Daniel, also work in the company and the organization employs over 200 staff.
The family influence in the company is evident with every transaction. Thanks to their professionalism, expertise and devotion to clients, Kirk Freeport sales staff, are skilled at helping people pick the perfect gift whilst they enjoy one of the Caribbean’s best shopping experiences.