Shopping Is My Cardio – Carrie Bradshaw, “Sex and the City”
Getting to Know Greater Gainesville’s Retail Scene
Nothing beats walking into a store, perusing the aisles and spotting the perfect product to purchase. It is no wonder shopping ranks high among American pastimes. Luckily, Greater Gainesville offers a vibrant retail scene. From shopping districts that have it all to charming boutiques and antique shops, there is something for every taste in GG.
Butler Shopping District
Locally owned by the Butler family for over 82 years, this expansive shopping center has solidified its place as a retail giant in the Greater Gainesville community. With more than 150 stores and 2 million square feet of retail and restaurant space, it is the area’s largest retail center and a one-stop shop.
Comprised of three shopping centers — the Plaza, Town Center and Butler North — this district provides for every possible need, including grocers like Publix, Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, department stores, pet shops and services, sports and outdoor outfitters, abundant dining options and numerous specialty stores. New restaurants and other retailers are popping up in Butler all the time.
Get some shopping cardio in at these popular shops at Butler:
- Anthropologie
- Allie Allure Boutique
- Kendra Scott
- Tillys
- Boot Barn
- Athleta
- Buff City Soap
- Agapanthus
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Sephora
- Crew Factory
- Aerie Offline
- Milan Laser Hair Removal
- DSW
And more!
Coming soon in 2023
- Ruby Sunshine
- Clean Juice
The Butler Shopping District was established in 1975 with the opening of Gainesville’s first Publix supermarket. Today, leading retail stores such as Target, Ashley HomeStore, Marshalls and Old Navy can all be found here. Pop into PetSmart and delight furry friends with a new treat or toy. Highly sought-after stores are all found in the Plaza, including Bath & Body Works, Rack Room Shoes and Ross, plus REI Co-op and Sephora in the Butler Town Center.
In Butler North, shop at Sam’s Club, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Walmart.
In the spirit of giving back, Butler annually hosts Rock the Runway, a fashion show featuring items from Butler’s retailers. Butler also hosts many other events throughout the year, including the Easter Extravaganza, European Car Show and Christmas at Butler.
Celebration Pointe
This live, work, play community has it all — incredible shopping, delicious eateries, residences, office spaces and fun for the whole family. Expect to stay a while.
Bass Pro Shops welcomes outdoor enthusiasts for all their fishing, hunting, and camping gear needs. The great outdoors is found inside here, with animal mounts throughout the store and a 12,000-gallon freshwater aquarium making this shopping destination an experience in itself.
Celebration Pointe is also home to other popular shops:
- Nike Factory Store
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Palmetto Moon
- Flip Flop Shops
- International Diamond Center
- Fit2Run
Celebration Pointe also offers a slew of entertainment options to enjoy for a day full of fun. Watch the latest flicks on Regal Theater’s 10-screen cinema, play arcade games and grab a bite at Dave & Buster’s, challenge your problem-solving skills at Escapology, take a stroll around the Promenade or attend any one of Celebration Pointe’s events year-round, from live music to races to wine pairing events.
Sports fans are in luck, Celebration Pointe is also now home to the brand-new, state-of-the-art Alachua County Sports and Events Center, bringing high-profile sports competitions, such as NCAA Track & Field, to the Greater Gainesville region.
Celebration Pointe offers a variety of culinary options, ranging from fine dining to fast food:
- Kilwins
- Le Macaron French Pastries
- MidiCi
- Miller’s Ale House
- Prime & Pearl
- Sensei Asian Bistro
- Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
- Starbucks
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Keys Grill & Piano Bar
- Hana Sushi & Asian Cuisine
- Fat Tuesday
At the end of a shopping and entertainment-fueled day, have a restful sleep at the luxurious Hotel Indigo. This uniquely designed hotel is located in the heart of main street and just a short stroll from all Celebration Pointe has to offer.
Oaks Mall
When it comes to options, the Oaks Mall has them. Featuring more than 100 of popular stores, this destination is the place to tackle any shopping mission.
Oaks Mall is Gainesville’s host to department stores like JCPenney, Dillard’s and Belk as well as retail stores that appeal to individuals of all ages, including Forever 21, Altar’d State, Francesca’s, Pandora, H&M, American Eagle and Express.
End the shopping excursion with a delicious meal at one of the mall’s multiple restaurants.
Beautiful Boutiques
These charming little shops are curated with care and shining with individual personality. Boutiques are a true testament to the age-old precept that the best things come in small packages.
Soak in some vitamin D while shopping at the open-air Tioga Town Center in Jonesville. The shopping center is home to popular shops, eclectic boutiques and a range of restaurants set against lovely outdoor scenery.
Down To Earth Boutique brings a little piece of South Florida to the Tioga Town Center. Owner Gina Fox began this cute shop in the Florida Keys back in 1998. Fox strives to capture the feeling of home, with Islamorada’s unique “island vibes.”
“We were a very small town, local business in Islamorada, and wanted to have the same feel and relationship that we had in our previous town, with our Gainesville friends,” Fox said.
Looking to dazzle a loved one or bring on the bling? Lang Jewelers or Complete Home Boutique are the places to go. In need of a new nail color to complement those flashy pieces of jewelry? Enso Nail Boutique is located nearby and offers a relaxing and healthy nail experience.
Gainesville Shops
Get to know Gainesville by taking a scenic walk downtown and popping in on the locally owned shops.
Etc. Boutique is a must for any shopping spree in GG. Sara Young, Gainesville native and owner of this popular women’s clothing store, is a veteran in this business and has the style to prove it. In fact, Etc. just celebrated its 20th anniversary this April. Women of almost any age, size and style can find that special piece that makes them feel extra beautiful in this sophisticated, urban-style shop.
Supporting local businesses has never felt better than at Pinner’s Fine Shoes, a staple among the locals. The mom-and-pop shop has served supplied fabulous footwear for the Gainesville community for more than 50 years. The selection of shoes includes the brand, On — for which Pinner’s is the No. 1 single door retailer in Florida.
For artisanal products and a picturesque shopping experience, stop by Thornebrook Village. With beautiful landscaping and covered breezeways, the shopping plaza is a pleasant place to stroll and window shop while escaping the Florida sun. Savor the handmade confections of Thornebrook Chocolates or treat the eyes to some original stained-glass art at McIntyre Stained Glass Studio and Art Gallery.
Going out west of UF? An excellent shopping opportunity can be found in Haile Plantation. The Haile Village features a variety of restaurants, boutiques, shops and pubs to appeal to every taste. There are also events to be enjoyed such as Easter egg hunts, Hot-Rodding for Heroes and Oktoberfest, that are simply too much fun to miss.
High Springs
High Springs’ charming, walkable downtown is home to several local shops and boutiques — the ideal place to get lost on a shopping excursion.
For some of the trendiest women’s clothing around, visit Madson Boutique. Planning on hitting the nearby springs for a hike? Outdoor Life can supply the family with all the latest in outdoor gear and supplies.
Support local artists and check out Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies. The gallery’s handcrafted art will bring the wow-factor to any home.
Antique Adventures
Greater Gainesville is home to several small, historic towns, where history is kept very much alive. The numerous antique shops and vintage stores are a testament to this. They are a destination for antique enthusiasts from all over.
Explore the 25,000-square-foot Smiley’s Antique Mall in Micanopy. Open since 1994, the huge mall is packed with hidden treasures.
The Waldo Antique Village offers antiquing that is second to none. Dig through relics from days of the past, revel in that special find and add a bold accent to bring home.
The small town of LaCrosse also has its own Antique Center. Housed in a historic building in the downtown district, carve out some time to browse through this shop — all three floors, 75 booths and 20,000 square feet of it.
Be sure to put a stop at High Springs on the list when searching for antiques or gorgeous vintage finds. Several vintage shops line the main thoroughfares through downtown — including Main Street Antique Mall, Decades, The Mantle, The Birds Nest and the Antiques Center of High Springs.
Vintage Vogue
From curated shops to pop up markets that offer a little bit of everything, discover the vintage scene in Greater Gainesville.
- B Side Vintage
A one stop shop music store that specializes in vintage guitars. They also offer music lessons and repairs.
- The Florida Vintage Market
More than 60+ vendors gather at this monthly event to sell vintage fashion, handmade goods, art, collectables and so much more.
- How Bazaar
A co-owned creative space and vintage clothing shop, this kaleidoscopic vision is operated by a group of individuals who reflect Gainesville’s diverse and colorful population.
- Unique Notions
True to its name, this unique store is a window shopper’s dream with artisan candles, curated vintage clothing, health and beauty products and décor.
- Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
This consignment shop is the headquarters of fun thrift finds. Visit their store during regular hours or keep an eye out for their regular pop-up markets that feature vintage vendors, food trucks and live music.