Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau believes that if you like to shop then Orlando is the place for you. Believe it or not Orlando has more than 52 million square feet of retail space which makes it a major player in the United Sates retail market.
Thisistravel.co.uk guides that Florida is famous for its cheap designer labels so if you're a label junkie it's perfect. They recommend that key names to look out for in the factory outlet stores include: Calvin Klein, Gap, OshKosh, Bally shoes, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. Sports fans can find great bargains at the Nike store in the Lake Buena Vista Mall in Kissimmee and Belz Factory Outlet on
International Drive. If you can never seem to find jeans that fit then a visit to the World of Denim in the Mercado Village is a must. According to Thisistravel.co.uk they even have a seamstress who will do any alterations on the spot, a service which is apparently free!
The Brits Guide indicates that the big indoor malls are more expensive than the outlets but if your looking to shop in style they maybe more your scene. They have frequent sales which usually makes things good value. The largest of the malls is Florida Mall which has 264 shops, 7 of which are big department stores and has a food court with a choice of 17 different outlets.
Thisistravel.co.uk recommends that there are plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs in all the Walt Disney World and Universal parks. In fact there are shops filled to the brim with every kind of Mickey/Bugs Bunny and friends merchandise you ever thought possible. However if you prefer something a little more traditional then they recommend heading downtown to Church Street Station Exchange and check out the Buffalo Trading Company that offers everything you need to be a genuine cowboy. Some smaller stores also stock Indian crafts, including blankets, ponchos and wall hangings.
My advice: Leave some time for shopping, as there are lots of bargains to be had but don't try to visit all the malls - it might get too stressful! Pick one or two that are easy to get to from your accommodation and enjoy what they have to offer - Orlando's shopping malls are in a different league to those you find in the UK.
Reading List
This is Travel website -www.thistravel.co.uk.
Dickson. M. Available online at: www.thisistravel.co.uk
The Rough Guide to Florida- Ellwood.M, Obolsky.T and Velton.R. February 2004.
A Brits Guide- Veness.S. 2005.
Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.com
Orlando CVB- www.orlandoinfo.com. 2005 |
