Trico Supply: Statia's Go-To Stop for the Bits and Pieces That Actually Get Things Done
The unglamorous but essential hardware and household supply hub locals rely on in Oranjestad.
Why Go
On a three-thousand-person island where the nearest big-box store is a plane ride away, a supply shop like Trico is quietly the most useful address in town. It's where contractors, guesthouse owners, and DIY-minded visitors all end up when something breaks, runs out, or needs fixing before the next boat arrives.
The Experience
Tucked into the workaday side of Oranjestad near the cluster of car rentals and small apartments above Baby Beach, Trico Supply feels less like a shop and more like a well-stocked island lifeline. Shelves run deep with hardware, tools, cleaning supplies, and the miscellaneous household goods that Statia's tiny grocery stores simply don't carry. The atmosphere is practical and unhurried — expect a friendly nod from staff, a handful of local tradespeople loading up pickups outside, and the kind of conversation where you might leave with directions to a dive site along with your extension cord. It's not a place you visit for atmosphere, but if you're staying on-island for more than a few days, you'll be grateful it exists.
What to Try
Poke around for the small stuff that always seems to go missing on a trip: reef-safe cleaning products, sun-bleached rope and clips for hanging laundry, adapters and batteries, a decent beach cooler, or a sturdy dry bag before a dive day. Long-stay guests and villa renters often come here for cookware, fans, buckets, and basic tools that make a self-catering stay far more comfortable than the airport shop lets on.
Insider Tip
Stock is finite and restocks depend on the container schedule from St. Maarten — if you spot something you'll want later in the week, grab it now rather than coming back. Bring cash or a chip-and-PIN card, and don't expect Sunday hours; on Statia, almost everything winds down after Saturday midday.
The Practical Stuff
Located at plus code F2W7+R54 in Oranjestad, a short drive from most guesthouses and dive shops. Best reached by rental car or scooter — walking is doable from central Oranjestad but hot in midday sun. Cash and cards typically accepted; call ahead if you need a specific item, as inventory turns over with each shipment. Modest, no-frills shop — no café, restrooms, or tourist services on site.
Pair It With
- Baby Beach Guide — Grab beach supplies, a cooler, or a spare towel at Trico, then drive five minutes down to Statia's most laid-back swimming spot to actually use them.
- Aquarium Dive Site — Pick up dry bags, waterproof tape, or replacement clips before heading out on a dive — small fixes here save a wasted afternoon on the water.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — A quiet in-town green space just around the corner — a good spot to pause after errands and get a feel for how compact and neighborly Oranjestad really is.
