Orlando for Big Spenders

Superstar Shopping

Shopping in Orlando is as much an attraction as the attractions! The current exchange rate makes a day (or three) of retail therapy even better value and, if you want the real upscale shopping experience, there are several venues you should seek out in particular.

First and foremost of these is the Mall at Millenia, the newest and classiest of Florida’s great shopping malls. Opened in 2003, it specialises (although not exclusively) in some of the finest names in the retail business, and any trip here is a truly luxurious affair. Nowhere else in central Florida will you find such a mouth-watering array of designer labels and high quality merchandise. If any of the following appeal to you, you should beat a very hot path to the Mall (which is just off I-4 north of Universal, Exit 78): Ann Taylor, Cache Luxe, Z Gallery, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co, plus the only Bloomingdale’s store in the region.

If you are looking for some serious bargains in the fashion world, you should head for Orlando Premium Outlets. Admittedly some of their stock may be last year’s designs and collections, but you will find some genuine savings on big-name brands like Gap, Guess, Banana Republic, Reebok, adidas, Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Dior, Fendi, Lacoste, Nike, Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and Zegna.

Possibly the most distinctive shopping experience in town, though, is to be found on Park Avenue in Winter Park, a beautiful suburb just to the north of Orlando

PRO SPOT: Winter Park makes a wonderful day out and change of pace from the theme parks. It is an exclusive neighbourhood in its own right, with many homes in the $1million-plus bracket, and features some outstanding dining and shopping, as well as several worthy museums. They have a well-staffed Chamber of Commerce information centre, on New York Avenue, parallel to Park Avenue, where you can pick up various walking tours of the area, as well as some recommendations for fine dining!

Just for a change, there are no malls, discount centres or flea markets, and the shopping style is distinctly upscale. The line-up of women’s apparel includes The Thread, Chico’s, Nicole Miller and smart department store Jacobson’s, menswear includes John Craig, Siegel’s and J. McLaughlin, while jewelers include Park Promenade and P.J. Abramson, Inc. More than anything, though, Park Avenue specialises in distinctive, one-off boutiques that reward the casual shopper, and you can find a veritable treasure trove of art galleries, gifts and other items. Check out the likes of Olive This, Relish That, The Doggie Door, Ten Thousand Villages and Peterbrooke Chocolateier.

For a similar, if smaller scale, experience try the boutiques of Thornton Park, in downtown Orlando. Here, adjacent to beautiful Lake Eola, you can wander through the park area, try the tasty fare of Panera Bread or Tijuana Flats, and browse the shelves of shops like Art Effects, the Herb Shop, Marie-France Boutique, Studio 6 Pottery and Past & Present Collection.
Closer to the main tourist area, just off Highway 192, you’ll find the small town of Celebration, where strolling is a pleasure and the boutique shopping offers something a bit special. Browse Market Street Gallery (Disney collectables, Swarovski crystal), Jerard International (gifts from around the world), Soft As A Grape (casual wear) and Lollipop Cottage (children’s clothing).

Sherlock’s of Celebration does a lovely Champagne Tea when you need a break from the weary work of carrying all your purchases around.

Further off the beaten track, but well worth the 30-40 minute drive, lies the charming town of Mount Dora. Antique buffs can easily spend the best part of a day perusing no fewer than 7 antique shops, including Village Antique Mall with more than 80 vendors. Gift shops include Lee Fusion Art Glass & E-Collectibles, the homespun Country Cottage Crafts and Piece of Mine Home Boutique, Inc. Try Ridgeway Winery for a taste of the local grape, then stop for dinner at the spectacular Pieces Rising, a beautiful Key West inspired restaurant with a fantastic sunset view.
Looking for THE exclusive shopping experience? Book a Shoppers Paradise tour! Transportation is provided to Mall at Millenia, outlet shopping, plus a visit to a footwear and denim outlet. Lunch vouchers are included.

Want to hear what other ATD members have to say about Orlando’s shopping experiences? Check out our forums!