| Many people visit
Orlando with shopping on the bottom of their to do list,
thinking they’ll grab a few quick souvenirs and get back to
sightseeing. But with more than 50 million square feet of
shopping space in Central Florida, an array of specialty
stores and new world-class stores coming onto the scene,
Orlando is becoming a legitimate player in the upscale
shopping arena.
 Central
Florida now boasts eight shopping malls, including The
Mall at Millenia, a 1.2-million square-foot brand new shopping
experience. Featuring the theme of man, time and universe, the
two-level shopping complex is anchored by the
world-famous department stores Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and
Neiman Marcus. Half of the retailers are new to the
Orlando market, including luxury stores such as Tiffany &
Co., Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Also new to the Orlando
retail scene are Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor which recently
moved in to Orlando’s Florida Mall.
Aside from shopping malls,
there are many specialty stores that offer quirky
knick-knacks, chic souvenirs and hip clothing throughout
Central Florida.
Just outside Orlando in
Winter Park, take a stroll down Park Avenue. This
European-style avenue is filled with small boutiques, art
galleries and antiques shops -- with mainstream stores like
Talbot’s and Gap to specialty stores where you can find
everything from the perfect couch to handmade stationary.
In Downtown Orlando, you’ll
find several shopping areas. Thorton Park features specialty
stores perfect for an afternoon of meandering and exploring.
And even the most experienced of antique shoppers will be
impressed with what Antique Row on Orange Avenue or the nearby
Ivanhoe shops offer in old-world treasures.
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando also offer
extensive shopping areas for when you need a break from the
parks.
Head back to Downtown
Disney where you’ll find an array of specialty stores amid
the Disney paraphernalia. Be sure not to miss Celebrity
Eyeworks and get fitted for sunglasses just like your favorite
celebrity wears; Hoypoloi, a gallery featuring art glass,
ceramics and sculpture; and Starabilias, where you can track
down movie memborabilia from classic movies.
Universal CityWalk offers
many stores mixed throughout the restaurants and nightclubs.
Snap up authentic items from your favorite sports stars at All
Star Collectibles; get ready to catch a wave with hip
beachwear from Quiet Flight Surf Shop; or find out about
Earth's delicate ecosystem at The Endangered Species Store.
Make sure to hit Celebration,
Disney’s version of small town America. Shop on Market
Street where you’ll find such stores as G.S. Winston Fine
Jewelers, Nottingham’s, featuring old world antiques and
antique reproductions and the Market Street Gallery with fine
gifts and unique home accents.
The Mercado Mediterranean
Village on International Drive offers up 60 specialty stores
with an international flare.
Or maybe you just want to
look like you’ve spent a million bucks. If that’s the
case, check out Belz Designer Outlet Centre on
International Drive, which has 45 of the hottest designer
outlets, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and DKNY.
Orlando Premium Outlets features Versace and Burberry to
name just a few of the 110 upscale discount shops. |
