Shopping in Florida
By James | Last updated August 5, 2024
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If you are used to European prices, particularly in the UK, Florida is an absolute bargain, especially for clothes, jewelry, photographic equipment, and golf equipment. Do bear in mind, though, that prices quoted in shops do not usually include the Florida State Tax or any local county taxes. Expect to pay around 6 to 7% sales tax on most items.
However, think about the amount you intend to bring back through customs and how you will carry it! The last thing you need is to spoil your holiday by having to pay to exceed your luggage allowance and duty to the customs officer. Do check your allowances before you leave for Florida.
One good idea is not to take too much with you; just wait until you get there.
Designer Clothes
An excellent place to start is at one of the many Factory Outlet Malls, such as Orlando International Premium Outlets (formerly Belz Factory Outlet Mall), at the top of International Drive in Orlando. You will get a discount, but it may not be huge.
The area around the Belz is also suitable for photographic equipment, golf, and diamonds!
General Shopping
There are many malls, such as the Florida Mall at the junction of Sandlake Road and Vineland Premium Outlets, also in Orlando. This is a supermall with four department stores and hundreds of smaller shops.
The department stores are perfect for children’s clothes. If your daughter is having a school leaving ball, check out the prom dresses — great prices, and she will be unique!
These malls usually have many jewelry stores and great “loss leaders” to tempt you into the store. They also have food courts where you can grab a bite to eat.
Shoes
If you are after bargains—and they don’t have to be a “designer label,” try places like Payless Shoes. These are situated all over, especially in smaller malls or outlets. We have always managed to pick up bargains here. Leather trainers can be had for $20 (£13.50) or less. Wear an old pair for the journey, discard them, and wear the new ones at home!
Ladies Wear
In some of the smaller outlets and malls, there is a store called Beales (pronounced Bells). There are loads of discounted items, and we have found that even if an item is not marked as on sale, it is mainly discounted at the till. You will not believe some of the prices!
If you don’t mind rummaging through the racks, check out TJ Maxx or Ross.
Hypermarkets
And then there are WalMart and KMart. Both are hypermarkets with branches all over the state ( and the whole of the USA). KMart is not as big as it used to be but is huge worldwide (it owns ASDA in the UK).
Both sell almost everything, but only the most significant branches sell the whole grocery range. These stores are unbeatable for children’s clothing, leisure wear, underwear, and linens. If you are a stitcher, check out the DMC floss at WalMart (about 20p per skein!).
Groceries
For general food shopping, Publix and Winn-Dixie are both good and have branches throughout the state.
D.I.Y
If you are looking for tools, then head to Home Depot. Remember that the US power supply is only 110v, so be sure electrical tools will still work back home.
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