Local owned stores and boutiques throughout Central Florida are inviting local residents to shop small today for Small Business Saturday.
After a tough year for many businesses with high inflation, many small local businesses are hoping for a much needed shot in the arm today,
A recent survey released by the Bankrate website revealed that more shoppers this year would shop on Small Business Saturday than Black Friday, with 59% of holiday shoppers hitting the stores on Small Business Saturday, while only 56% planned on making purchases on Black Friday.
The Orlando area is packed with unique, walkable neighborhoods where you can enjoy an array of shopping experiences, yes, luxury malls and designer outlets are fun, but they aren't the only shopper's paradise her in Central Florida.
Many unforgettable retail opportunities are waiting for you in eclectic, walkable eighborhoods throughout the area.
AUDUBON PARK GARDEN DISTRICT
Encompassing one of Orlando’s oldest neighborhoods, the Audubon Park Garden District is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Orlando. Although this area is adjacent to the Orlando Fashion Square mall, its real retail winner is East End Market.
Here, you can stock up on handmade goods and artisanal foods, including desserts, cheeses, breads and meats, while taking advantage of numerous service providers.
Just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, College Park is home to a collection of one-of-a-kind retailers and stylized shopping opportunities. For starters, it’s a vintage buyer’s dream thanks to options like Driftwood Market, Bijou’s Boutique, Ritzy Rags and Top Drawer Consignments.
But no matter what you’re looking for, chances are you can buy it in College Park: handcrafted soaps, hip music and clothing, bicycles, and even cosplay gear and props.
And given this neighborhood’s foodie-friendly eateries, you won’t go hungry while shopping here, either.
CURRY FORD WEST
Known for its mid-century modern-inspired architecture, laid-back vibe and easy access to Orlando International Airport, Curry Ford West is part of the Orlando Main Streets program. It also has numerous quaint boutiques that serious shoppers won’t want to miss.
Standouts for general shopping fun include The Vintage Chair, Freehand Goods, Sun Thrift Antique Shop and The Gift Guru. If you’re looking for something a little more niche, check out Swiss House, Coins and Currency, All American Pool-N-Patio, Nature’s Market & Fitness, or Karadema Jewelers, to name a few.
Curry Ford West is minutes from downtown Orlando and just a short walk or bike ride from gorgeous Lake Underhill Park.
IVANHOE VILLAGE MAIN STREET
Long known by locals as “Antique Row,” this vibrant community adjacent to downtown Orlando has enjoyed a cultural renaissance in recent years. New eateries and nightlife have transformed it into one of the destination’s trendiest areas — and it now has even more for shoppers.
You’ll still find some of Orlando’s best antiques and vintage merchandise, including 1618 Something Different, Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven and Blackbird Vintage Music.
But it also has much for modern tastes at jewelers, gift shops and clothiers, as well as fitness and beauty providers.
MILLS 50 DISTRICT
Just north of downtown, Orlando’s Mills 50 district is home to several shops that predate the area’s reimagining as a dining and nightlife hub.
Colonial Photo & Hobby, which has been serving the community for more than 60 years, is a prime example.
They have much more than the latest photography equipment, too, offering merchandise to feed just about any hobby.
While visiting Mills 50, you can also score funky gifts and treasures at gotkarma, exotic Asian groceries and merchandise at Dong A Imports, and cool threads that support a great cause at Out of the Closet Thrift Store.
And that’s just a few of the unique shops found in this area, which has a phenomenal selection of authentic Asian eateries.
THORNTON PARK DISTRICT
Nestled against the east side of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, the Thornton Park District is a stylish area known for brick-lined, canopied streets with a distinctly European feel. Although it’s mostly known for memorable dining and nightlife, several shopping opportunities can be enjoyed here, too.
The biggest is the Orlando Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Lake Eola Park.
Other top choices include clothing at Lauren Nicole, Regalia and Thornton Park Central, plus the chance to make your own candles at Artifact Candle Foundry.
WINTER GARDEN
Plant Street is the primary artery of this charming city, located about 25 minutes west of downtown Orlando. In addition to myriad shops, restaurants and lounges, it boasts Plant Street Market, a community hub where you can buy handmade products and organic eats from upwards of 20 vendors, all while enjoying craft brews from the onsite Crooked Can Brewing Company.
Minutes from Plant Street, Winter Garden Village national retailers and local gems.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, make plans to arrive early for the Winter Garden Farmers Market for even more unforgettable finds.
WINTER PARK
Winter Park is home to some of the most sought-after retailers in Central Florida. On the city's tree-lined, cobblestoned central thoroughfare, Park Avenue, and adjacent streets, you can shop more than 60 upscale retailers offering everything from clothing, jewelry, footwear, gifts, wine, books and other lines.
Situated in the heart of Park Avenue, Shops on Park is a great place to start. Boasting more than 20,000 square feet of retail space, this elegant, indoor center is anchored by world-famous brands such as J. McLaughlin, Lilly Pulitzer, lululemon athletica, and more, plus local favorites offering wares you won't find anywhere else.
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