When you think of shopping in Orlando, probably the first thing that comes to mind is the city’s favorite outlet stores, which most of the time offer some of the biggest discounts you could find on big-name designer labels.
There are also many malls dotted around the city, including The Florida Mall, which draws no less than 20 million visitors a year with its 250 fashion, electronics, and homeware stores. This is Orlando, and it really shouldn’t surprise anyone that Disney subscribed to this retail action, too.
This luring downtown hub of the city offers fewer touristy shopping opportunities in the form of markets and local boutiques. From huge shopping malls all the way to local markets in Orlando, we made a list of some of the best spots for your upcoming shopping trip. And judging from all these offers, it’s going to be pretty soon!
Orlando Premium Outlets at International Drive
Both locals and tourists prefer the outlet scene in Orlando, but this one in particular. The giant store on International Drive is by far the best one. You’d be shocked to find out that many Americans plan entire road trips from other states just to grab a good deal at Orlando Premium Outlets.
Here, discounts are offered on a wide range of brands, including Adidas, Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Levi’s, Nike, Quicksilver, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more. Some items are plucked straight from the factory, so you might want to expect discounts of up to 50%.
The Mall at Millenia
The Mall at Millenia is the perfect place to go for some high-end shopping. The stores in this multi-level shopping space also include your favorites, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Prada, Chanel, Cartier, and Gucci. The building itself looks and feels just as posh, especially with all those spacious walkways, bright atriums, and a glass roof that’s bringing Millenia up to date with other fancy malls in Orlando.
The Florida Mall
With more than 250 stores and an impressive number of 20 million visitors every single year (which are just as many as the ones that go through Universal’s gates), the Florida Mall is definitely the most popular place you could shop in Orlando.
There are more than 2 million square feet of space where you can find everything you can think of. From mid-range fashion stores all the way to luxury designer brands, electronics, homeware, health, and beauty, there’s something for everyone.
And if you get hungry, you can find an interesting list of dining options with all the big-name fast food joints you like. The 510-room Florida Hotel is a big part of the shopping mall, too.
Orlando Premium Outlets at Vineland Avenue
If all the people who are also shopping at Premium Outlets International Drive are just too much for you, you could always head to its sister mall, Premium Outlets at Vineyard Avenue. Don’t worry; they also have a ton of designer brands.
The outlet stores here usually see smaller crowds because it’s further away from downtown and not so close to Orlando, as the range of brands and discounts is pretty much the same, continuing the same outdoor community mall vibe we all like so much.
Disney Springs
If you decide to come to Orlando with your little ones to visit Walt Disney World, then you can’t leave without getting the minimum amount of Disney souvenirs! Luckily, you don’t really need any kind of ticket to explore Disney Springs, which was formerly known as Downtown Disney.
This entertaining restaurant and dining district is free for everyone. When it comes to buying, you should expect to bump into top-name brands for Disney-inspired clothes, accessories, toys, and memorabilia, as well as various opportunities to customize other products.
Winter Park Avenue
Winter Park Avenue is a very cute collection of local boutiques, stalls, and diners that can be easily found in the leafy suburbs, north of Orlando’s main metropolitan area. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a more “local” shopping experience in Orlando.
The quaint cobbled streets will definitely take you back to a time before Disney and Universal took over, but you might still have a hard time finding a table at some bars and bistros here during the weekend.
As for the shopping side, you should prepare for some of the best local fashion designers, art pieces, homewares, and handicrafts all around the main Winter Park Avenue and nearby lanes.
East End Market
If you’re looking for a change but still want to shop, then East End Market is for you. This place is away from the world of malls, outlet stores, and Disney, only a few minutes’ drive northeast out of the downtown area.
This 2-story market arcade aims to showcase some of the best of what Central Florida can offer when it comes to cooked food, art, and fresh produce. The market also has some world-class restaurants, a very large event space, and a live cooking area. You might also want to check their website for upcoming special events.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is a well-known outlet shopping mall that shares the same theme as the two premium outlets around International Drive. Rows of shops are set around a beautiful outdoor space, displaying big discounts on apparel and homeware taken fresh out of the oven, so to speak.
However, it’s worth mentioning that you won’t have as many choices here, but there are also fewer people. Some of the best stores include Reebok, Crocs, Calvin Klein, Justice, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, Fossil, and Nike. As for the discounts, boy, oh boy! Expect to see discounts as big as 70% off the usual price.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora showcases a wonderful range of shops and dining options that are only a stroll away from its picturesque namesake lake. The beautiful town center was commonly known as the “antique capital” of the region, and rightfully so.
There, you can find some of the finest antique and collectible stores in Florida, and if you’re really not into that, you’ll be glad to know that their shopping options have diversified since then. You can easily find a plethora of art galleries, fashion boutiques, gardening stores, home decor items, jewelers, and wine cellars.
All of these make it a highly recommended area to spend at least one afternoon. But trust me, you will come for more! Most of these stores can be found around 3rd–7th Avenue, which also comprises the main town center.
Lee Vista Promenade
Lee Vista Promenade comes with some of the most convenient shopping and dining options in Orange County. It’s also within a 15-minute drive south of central Orlando and a 6-minute drive north of Orlando International Airport.
You can stop and check out their wide variety of street-level shopping options in a promenade-like setting. Not only will you find the typical clothing brands that you would normally expect from a shopping mall, but there are also many stores that specialize in outdoor sports, crafts, and even home goods.
Also, if you’re getting hungry, you can stop at some well-known chain restaurants like Starbucks, Panda Express, and Outback Steakhouse on the Lee Vista Promenade. Also, there’s an onsite movie theater that showcases the latest movies.
If you’re going to visit all these places, be sure you’ll need comfy shoes! That’s why I advise you to add to your cart these comfortable gems that will get you in places! What can I say? You will feel as if you’re walking on a cloud!
If you’re looking for similar articles, then you have to check out this one: 5 Purchases You Should NEVER Make with Cash
