Shop these Small Business Sarasota Spots

Here in Sarasota County, charming main streets and charming, off-the-beaten-path avenues offer a more laid-back shopping experience. Explore these inviting small business spots – and support local businesses as you do.

Burns Court, Sarasota

Amid the sparkling high-rises of Downtown Sarasota, the Old-World charm of Burns Court really stands out. The shops and cafes that line this lovely neighborhood help set the laid-back-but-stylish tone here. Find rare vintage treasures at Sarasota Trading Co. At nearby Brooklyn Boutique., find a curated array of men and women’s wear, jewelry, and décor – all with a New York energy. Browse contemporary women’s fashion and body-care products at L. Boutique.

Main Street, Sarasota – and Beyond

Quite possibly the epicenter of Sarasota Shopping, this downtown thoroughfare is so packed with excellent shops and restaurants that they spill over into surrounding streets. You’ll find high-end chain stores here, sure, but there are tons of galleries as well, especially near the intersection of Main and Palm (the latter is often referred to as “gallery row”). Lotus has stylish women’s fashions, as does Evelyn & Arthur. You’re bound to find something intriguing at Mercantile Home and Apparel. For the geology lover on your list, Pineapple Rocks has a vast array of stones, sharks’ teeth and more.

Rosemary District, Sarasota

Though technically part of downtown Sarasota, this beloved neighborhood has really come into its own – as you’ll see with all the colorful murals, hip craft beer spots, yoga studios, and condos where young professionals dwell. Stop by The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime - an indoor market - with over 40 vendors and artisans with one-of-a-kind items. Head to Canned Ham Vintage for – you guessed it – curated vintage clothing. From 70s jumpsuits to century-old evening wear pieces, plus a selection of Mid-Century Modern furniture. Experience a day in Sarasota’s burgeoning Rosemary District.

Olde Englewood Village

At the heart of this low-key downtown Englewood district is West Dearborn Street, where restored buildings dating back a century line the street. Discover all sorts of places you might like to make your new haunts. Great thrifting, antiquing, coastal souvenir shopping and fun Old Florida hangouts await you down on the artsy street of Dearborn. Check out resort wear at Sisters Unique Boutique and find beachy gifts at Coastal Emporium. There are plenty of laid-back cafes throughout the area when it’s time for a bite.

Siesta Key Village

Just off Siesta Key’s famous beach, stumble upon quaint eateries, shops, and boutiques which offer everything from beachy clothing, footwear, bathing suits, coastal souvenirs, kitchy gift items, and more. This walkable and picturesque stretch of Ocean Avenue is a stone’s throw from the sand and a longtime shopping staple after a long day at the beach. For a slew of coastal finds for the beach lover in your life, put a stroll along this beachy enclave on your schedule. Souvenirs abound at Beach Bazaar and Siesta Key Outfitters. Gidget’s Coastal Provisions has cool coastal décor as well as some offbeat finds.

Southside Village

Teeming with small business along Osprey Avenue, Southside Village (also known as Hillview) is a little hidden jewel in south Sarasota with a unique collection of eclectic shops to pop in an out of, shopping the day away. A local institution, Morton’s Gourmet Market has plenty of interesting gourmet finds that can make great gifts – and plenty of delicious deli items for you to savor. Head to Marmalade Salon & Boutique for chic jewelry and other fun accents. Explore great bargains on designer clothing at Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel, or browse fine jewelry at Jewelry by Giorgio. Here’s what it’s like to spend the day in Southside Village.

St. Armand’s Circle

St. Armand’s Circle is an enchanting roundabout and island shopping center on Lido Key. Renowned for its continental flair and flavor, the circle is a super fun, okpen-air experience for window shopping (or actual shopping) the dozens of different storefronts all the way around. Many of the shops are part of national chains or brands, but there are some rarer finds among them. Stylish finds include small Florida chain Butterfly Beach, contemporary fashion boutique Binjara Traders (and its sister store, Sahara), and fun coastal décor at Beach House. When you’ve worked up a thirst from all that retail therapy, you’ll be just steps from some of Sarasota’s best restaurants.

Waterside Place

Further inland from the beaches and keys, find the quaint lakeside retail district of Waterside Place and its very walkable outdoor mall. Here, you’ll find local boutiques of Florida-native provisions, women’s apparel, jewelry, and outdoor gear for sale. Search curated women’s clothing and accessories at Monkee’s and browse the array of unique one-of-a-kind jewelry at Cileone. Their original and estate collections guarantee a one-of-a-kind purchase. Find all things Florida – from flip flops and sweatshirts to ornaments and key chains – at Florida Provisions Co.

Venice Avenue

On both sides of Venice Avenue and the parallel Miami Avenue, you will likely you’re your hands full of bags strolling up and down these two streets. A hundred independently owned shops and boutiques line the avenues of the quaint Historic Downtown Venice, where you can find unique gifts, art, décor, apparel, and more. With a relaxed vibe and plenty of beach-inspired boutiques, strolling Venice Avenue in downtown Venice is a wonderful way to spend a day. Find men’s and women’s resort wear at Captain’s Landing and seashell décor at Sirene Coastal Interiors. Be sure to pop over to Miami Avenue, one block south, for even more galleries and boutiques.
Explore downtown Venice in depth.

See more top Sarasota shopping spots.