Miami, Florida Shopping
Bargain Shopping in Miami
By Lena Hunt
Many cruise ships and their ports of call offer duty free shopping but don't just wait to do your shopping then. Instead take advantage of the bargain shopping in Miami. Miami bargain shopping, you ask? Yes, you read it correctly. Many cruise ship passengers who depart from this area head dive into the South Beach area and for good reason. Known for its star-studded history, eclectic architecture, diverse cuisine, Caribbean-blue water, and for being Florida's fashion center the price tag on merchandise can indeed be quite hefty. South Beach fashion is quite unique and many of the rich and famous head there to find their styles so it's not surprising to find, say, a purple fur coat for $10,000.00. With the most esteemed shopping experience you'll find in the southern U.S., designers such as Versace, Dior, Gucci, Prada as well as some pretty creative top notch local designers have set up shop here.
Miami, Florida Shopping
Bargain Shopping in Miami
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
June 6, 2010
Before you YIKES! yourself out of searching for top deals in this area, be sure to walk a few blocks away from the ocean and a tad bit down Lincoln Road, Miami's equal to NYC's Fifth Avenue. You'll find loads of unbelievable bargains – even cheaper than outlet malls (more on those later). Still basking in the Florida sunshine and hobnobbing with the beautiful people, you'll find more bargains than you have time for before boarding your ship.
Many shops lure you into their frozen air conditioned atmosphere by placing clearance racks in front of their stores, out on the sidewalks. 50% off the already marked down prices is the common theme here. Shirts and shorts starting at $3.99 each are often found on these racks and inside the stores, the bargains keep piling on. The styles and selection range from things you will find at Wal-Mart on up to items you will find only in boutiques. There are seven beautiful and easy-to-walk blocks of discount shopping.
Oh, and when you get hungry there is always a Starbucks or a cafe or restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining where you can eat without breaking the bank. Shopping is so much fun when you can strrrrretch your dollar like this!
Along with the great deals in Miami's tourist trap areas, this city has lots and lots of malls and outlet malls where you can find more savings. Some of the top Miami shopping malls, outlet malls, and centers are:
- The Dolphin Mall – located west of the Miami International Airport has over 200 stores and restaurants
- The Falls – a gorgeous open-air mall complete with an outdoor mall and many great bargains
- Lincoln Road – South Beach's tourist area as discussed above
- CocoWalk – tucked away in the heart of Coconut Grove on 3015 Grand Avenue, this is an open- air shopping mall filled with bargains, unique artist galleries, movie theaters, and nightclubs
- Bal Harbour Shops – for those of you who want top designers and shops yet want some great deals in the luxury lines, Bal Harbour Shops is for you. Located at the intersection of Collins Avenue and 96th Street in Bal Harbor, you'll be at home with names such as Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Tod's, Tiffany, Bulgari, and Tourneau.
Shop 'til you drop in Miami before and after your cruise trip. The shopping experience in Miami is an adventure in itself!
