Whether the doctor prescribed retail therapy or one dose of window shopping, the remedy lies within Greater Tampa Bay. Each community features a unique shopping experience that reflects the diverse culture that inspired it. Bustling boutiques, massive retail meccas and thrift store treasures live along the banks of the retail river that flows through GTB.
Bradenton
Downtown Bradenton Village of the Arts is truly a unique shopping experience. Streets lined by early 20th-century bungalows glow every shade from the color wheel as whimsical sculptures play in the lawn. Shoppers may wonder what rabbit hole they slipped into while perusing through this unusual community.
The Village of the Arts is home to residents, various shops, galleries and art studios, mystics, restaurants and so much more. A once neglected neighborhood, this thriving artists’ community was created together by the Artists Guild of Manatee and its village residents. Most of the shops are open daily. Village of the Arts hosts monthly art walks on first Fridays.
Village of the Arts is located at 1303 13th Avenue W. in Bradenton.
Brandon
Westfield Brandon is located just off Interstate 75, parked right between State Road 60 and the Selmon Expressway. With 165 stores, this retail hyper market is age inclusive and covers every genre of shopping, from fashion to technology to books and jewelry. It is anchored by Macy’s, Books-A-Million, DSW, Dillard’s and Dick’s and is the perfect place to get lost in a retail rabbit hole.
Top off the retail experience by venturing just across the way to find Nordstrom Rack in Brandon Lake Plaza.
Brandon is home to GTB’s only Bass Pro Shops, the popular outdoors store with everything from fishing gear to camping supplies to apparel and even boats.
Looking for something more local? The Rustic Door Décor and More features charming home furnishings and adorable accoutrement to enhance any living space. From rustic farmhouse to country-living-chic, this locally owned gem specializes in handcrafted and refinished décor and furniture as well as an assortment of unique gifts. The Rustic Door Décor and More has two convenient locations — Lumsden Road in Brandon and on Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico.
Clearwater
Live music echoes off street corners in The District, located in downtown Clearwater. Overlooking the Clearwater Harbor is this rejuvenated retail and entertainment area that spans over Cleveland Street and intersecting avenues.
This lively outdoor space features an array of unique boutiques, fine jewelers and art galleries. Discover the stunning collections of Italian clothes and accessories at Daf and Dream or Gioffrè, masterfully designed glass sculptures at Marlene Rose and so much more.
Dunedin
Residents and visitors alike venture to downtown Dunedin to explore its charming boutiques and shops. Downtown Dunedin celebrates the vibrant community in showcasing its local antiques, apparel and art. With pottery, jewelry, garden decor scarves and much more, shoppers are sure to find a unique gift or just enjoy a day of window shopping.
St. Petersburg
From vintage vogue to contemporary chic, each shop on Central Avenue reflects the retro-revival story of this historical area. Stroll down Central Avenue to uncover the funkiest stores and creative concepts in St. Pete.
This artsy corridor runs from east to west, dead-ending between Pioneer and South Straub parks. Duck into the revitalized Crislip Arcade found on the 600 block to find charming boutiques and art galleries.
The Mall at Sundial invites shoppers in with modern art installations and a classy beach vibe in downtown St. Pete, just a few steps away from the St. Pete Pier. The beautiful two-story plaza is home to popular retailers Tommy Bahama, White House Black Market, Chico’s, Diamonds Direct and more. Turn shopping day into a date night, with dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or Sea Salt and a movie at the AMC Sundial 12 theater.
The Corey Avenue Shopping District is a historical thoroughfare with something for everybody. Gift shops, restaurants and boutiques line the street, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to Boca Ciega Bay. Also hosting many festivals, parades, the Sunday Morning Market farmers market and other exciting events, a trip to Corey Avenue will not disappoint.
Tampa
Just inland of Hillsborough Bay is the beautiful Hyde Park Village. This diverse collection of shops and restaurants spans over six blocks, creating a retail utopia. Hyde Park Village has everything from bling for the pooches at Downtown Dog to bling for the fashionistas at Old Northeast Jewelers, to do-it-yourself experiences at Cake Drip and Candle Pour to urban houseplants at Leafy Luv Affair. The shops feature every facet of fashion.
The Westshore District is home to world-class shopping destinations, with more than 350 stores & boutiques. Between Louis Vuitton, Coach, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Swarovski, Nordstrom and Neiman, the gang is all here at the beautiful International Plaza and Bay Street. This high-end shopping extravaganza adjacent to the Tampa International Airport is sure to send wallets scampering to the dark corner in the purse.
Also in this thriving part of Tampa, the WestShore Plaza features more than 100 retailers plus dining, while the Dale Mabry Retail Corridor and Hillsborough Avenue both offer a variety of retail options including the brand-new REI Co-op in the Midtown development.
Tarpon Springs
Meander through the labyrinth of local shops at the historic sponge docks in Tarpon Springs to experience the culture behind this vibrant community. Visitors from all over venture to Dodecanese Boulevard to shop for sponges, trinkets, jewelry, wine, olive oil, art, regular events like festivals, wine walks and arts & crafts shows and to celebrate the largest Greek community outside of Athens.
Wesley Chapel
From leggings to Legos, The Shops at Wiregrass has something for every age group and occasion. This 850,000-square-foot outdoor emporium is home to more than 100 shops, department stores, restaurants and various services.
With more than stores, The Shops at Wiregrass holds numerous events throughout the year, including car and truck shows and job fairs. Their Live Music Series invites visitors to the Center Court to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with a drink in hand and live entertainment.
Thrifty Threads
Find a wealth of secondhand treasures in the Tampa area:
Autism Awareness Shop
2908 West Hillsborough Avenue
West Tampa
Frolic Exchange
4626 North Florida Avenue
Seminole Heights
Le France
1612 East Seventh Avenue
Tampa
Savvy Consignment Boutique
210 South Kings Avenue Ste D
Brandon
Revolve Clothing Exchange
1620 E. 7th Ave.
Ybor
Valhalla Resale
6112 N. Central Avenue
Seminole Heights
Vintage Post Marketplace
5206 North Florida Avenue
Seminole Heights
Weekend Markets
Grab a canvas bag and hit the streets to support these local artisans, farmers and artists:
Corey Avenue Sunday Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays October-May; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays June-September
Corey Avenue between Boca Ciega Ave and Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach
Peruse a beautiful selection of tropical fruits and fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, plants, artisan foods, crafts, clothing and so much more.
Dunedin Downtown Market
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays November-June, only on Saturdays in June
420 Main St.
Situated in the beautiful John L. Lawrence Pioneer Park, this lively market showcases local crafts, food and music.
Heights Night at Armature Works
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. second Wednesdays
1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
This monthly bazaar features a rotating list of vendors selling art, handmade goods and jewelry.
St. Pete Indie Market
Noon to 5 p.m. first Saturdays
2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Peddling an eclectic collection of wares, this monthly market showcases more than 80 vendors including artists, designers, collectors, artisans and much more. Hours may vary during summer months.
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays October-May; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays June-September
100 1st St. SE, October-May
301 1st Ave. N., June-September
More than 125 vendors offer produce and florals from family-owned farms, artisan and ready-to-eat foods, handmade crafts and other products made by local business owners and creatives. This upbeat market features a live band every week. Note the regular season is held on the downtown waterfront, while the summer market is held in Williams Park.
Ybor Saturday Market
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October-April; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May-September
1901 N. 19th St., Tampa
Located in Tampa’s historic district, this beloved bazaar has been going strong since 2000. find products unique to Hillsborough County made by local artists, craftsmen and specialty producers.
By Laura Parrinello
