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You may have heard of Sarasota, FL. While it is a city, it feels like a tiny town. There are multiple retail districts here, most of which are within walking distance of each other. This sets it apart from other areas of the country, such as Phoenix and Tampa Bay, where commercial districts tend to be far more removed from each other. Randy Benderson has recently engaged in a project to determine what Sarasota’s main shopping districts are.

Randy Benderson at the Main Shopping Areas in Sarasota

1. The Downtown Sarasota shopping district, where you will find a variety of different stores. Whether you’re after a scoop of ice cream or European crafts, you know that you will be able to find it here. It is also a very artsy district, with many local artists peddling their wares.
2. Burns Square, which is a more historic part of town. The square offers shopping, dining, and a cinema, so there is plenty in terms of entertainment.
3. Southside Village, which offers a lot of different restaurants. There is also lots of live music to be enjoyed here, so do keep your eye on the news to make sure you don’t miss a band.
4. Southgate Shops, which has numerous cafes and diners, but also a range of different retailers.
5. Gulf Gate, which is one of the older parts of town where you will find lots of international food, drink, and entertainment.
6. St Armands Circle, which has a small park in its center. Around the park, you will find dining and shopping streets, including typical mall shops, local retailers, international restaurants, and more. Furthermore, you can walk up to the Gulf, enjoying the unset and the shows.
7. Sieste Key Village, which is one of the funkier parts of town. This is where the young, hip crowd congregates. There is lots of live music, plenty of entertaining, fantastic restaurants, and a variety of shops. You will also find standard tourist shops here, where you can purchase things such as flip flops and bathing suits. The nightlife is nothing short of entertaining as well.

Of course, Sarasota also has plenty of shops outside of these seven main shopping districts. Whether you need a supermarket or a unique little eatery off the beaten track, you are sure to be able to find it here. There are strips all over town with convenience stores, including some specialty stores. Consider, for instance, J-Pan sushi, right behind Publix supermarket, or the Monterey Grill or Heather’s Closet Boutique. Do also make sure that you visit Simon’s Café at the Tamiami Trial, which offers tasty food that is also very healthy and a firm favorite among the locals.

There is always something to do in Sarasota. It is simply about knowing what is available and where you can find it. But if you have any interest in commerce and retail, then Sarasota truly is the place to go.