For first-time visitors to Florida, the shopping culture might require some getting used to. Rather than doing their shopping in town or city centers, Floridians generally gravitate towards huge shopping malls, where department stores and other shops sell everything from clothes to computers. However, the small specialty shops are your best bet. If you’re looking for something specific, local tourist offices can provide listings of stores in their area.
WHEN TO SHOP
Most stores open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, often staying open late once
a week. Shopping mall shops, and many department stores, stay open up to 9pm. Some
stores, including those in the shopping malls, open Sundays, typically from 10am to 6pm,
while others (mostly in the larger cities) never close.
During the festive month of December, many stores extend their opening and closing times by one or two hours, to allow ample time for people to do their holiday shopping.
SALES TAX
Florida levies a six percent sales tax (may vary in different counties) on all goods except drugs, groceries, and children’s clothes. Tax is not included in displayed prices, but is automatically added to the bill. It’s worth noting that every year, usually in the last
week of July or the first week of August, the state allows for a “tax-free shopping
week” for the benefit of families who need to shop for the upcoming school year. Avail of this opportunity and take advantage of the tax-free status on most clothing and book purchases up to $50. This way, you will be able to save a rather considerable six percent
off your total bill.
DEPARTMENT STORES
Most shopping malls include at least one department store. These are often huge affairs, offering an amazing range of products and services, from complimentary gift-wrapping
to assistants who help you with your shopping.
Most of the department stores can be found all over the US, and all of them have a particular reputation for the quality of their merchandise. For example, Bloomingdale’s has a good name for its stock of new fashions, as well as its gourmet food. Some stores specialize only in designer fashion such as the elegant, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and the conservatively classy Lord & Taylor. Florida’s own, long-established chain, Burdines, has recently merged with the well-known Macy’s, which has branches throughout the state. Shopping stalwarts Sears and JCPenney offer everything from clothing and cosmetics to appliances and power tools.
For essentials, from pencils to toothpaste, as well as grocery and electronics, you need look no further than the no-frills superstores such as Target, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart, all of which can be found in many locations throughout the state. You can also find basic necessities and sundries, along with snacks and one-hour photo developing at stores such as Walgreens
and CVS Pharmacy. Many of these stores remain open around the clock, especially in larger cities.
SHOPPING FOR
BARGAINS
For some people, the chief appeal of Florida’s shops are their cut-price goods. Discount stores carry all kinds of general merchandise, but electronic equipment, household goods,
and clothes are the biggest draw. Some stores specialize in inexpensive fashion, chief
among them being Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls, all of which have branches in all the major cities. Best Buy and Circuit City are the best stores for discounts on CDs, DVDs, computers, and electronics.
Factory outlet malls are particularly popular among bargain hunters. In these stores, you can buy slightly imperfect or discontinued merchandise at 50 to 75 percent below the retail price.
Most factory outlet malls also contain brand-name stores selling household items and all types of clothing, such as Benetton sweaters and Levi’s jeans at throwaway prices.
Orlando’s International Drive is lined with a multitude of discount and factory outlet stores. You can even find cheaper Disney souvenirs here, but be warned that the quality is usually not as good as those available in the theme parks themselves.
You’re better off visiting the Character Warehouse stores in several of the city’s factory
outlet malls, as these sell the previous season’s official theme park merchandise at a discount of up to 75 percent.
Flea markets, usually large, lively affairs that function on weekends, are popular territory for bargains. Used goods may not interest you, but at most markets you’ll find crafts, antiques, and other things you may consider taking home. The food stands are an added bonus.
Some markets are equally good for their entertainment value, such as the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop and Flea World in Orlando, which combines a flea market with a mini-circus and amusement park. Both venues claim to be the state’s largest flea market and both are equally suited for a fun filled afternoon.
GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Fresh oranges are a popular buy for Florida’s visitors. The best-quality fruit is grown by
the Indian River, where oranges are sold by the sackful. Another popular citrus
is the key lime, which can be found state-wide in a variety of food products, from sauces
to pies. Shops usually deliver the fruit home for you if you live within the US.
Seashells also have wide appeal, but check their origins.
The Lee
Island Coast is most famous for its shells. You can buy harvested specimens in the
Shell Factory near Fort Myers. The shells and corals touted by roadside stalls along US 1 in the Keys are often imported. Such stalls also sell natural sponges, but Tarpon Springs is the classic place for them.
Native Americans sell crafts made on their reservations in Miccosukee Indian Village and Hollywood, but Florida is not the best place for crafts. However, many towns are known for antiques, such as Dania, Micanopy, and Mount Dora.
Disney has honed merchandising into an art. Shopping is a major activity at Walt Disney
World and other theme parks. Museum stores also sell souvenirs, from reproduction artefacts to educational games.
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