Orlando offers shopping for
all
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.
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