Venice's historic downtown boasts a charming collection of restored 1920's buildings that house colorful shops, antique stores and cafes. The district's blend of Art Deco, Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival architecture lend the streets a distinctively vintage feel. Venture out of town on Tamiami Trail, and you'll find more modern shopping centers, department stores, and apparel chains.
Venice Main Street, Inc.
West Venice Avenue, Venice
(941) 484-6722
www.venicemainstreet.com
Venice Avenue's picturesque collection of over 100 retailers attract shoppers with a wide selection, and beautifully restored 1920's architecture. Stroll the avenues and brows art galleries, beachwear shops, bookstores, wine shops, jewelry boutiques, and quaint cafes.
Prime Outlets 
5461 Factory Shops Boulevard, Ellenton
(941) 723-1150
www.primeoutlets.com
Twenty minutes from downtown Sarasota, the huge Prime Outlets shopping plaza lures fashion addicts with the largest assortment of outlets in the area. Leave lots of space in your trunk, as you're sure to leave with bays of goodies from Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, BCBG, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Kate Spade, Mikasa, Harry and David, Ann Taylor, and more!
St. Armand's Circle 
300 Madison Drive, Sarasota
(941) 388-1554
www.starmandscircleassoc.com
The brainchild of circus magnate John Ringling, St. Armand's Circle resembles an elegant European market, with Italian statuary, lush landscaping, and glittering outdoor lights in the evenings. Shoppers come from all over the world to browse the collection of over 130 upscale boutiques, unique galleries, and outdoor cafes.
Southgate Plaza 
3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
(941) 955-0900
www.westfield.com/southgate/
For traditional mall shopping with an upscale twist, Southgate Plaza offers chic apparel stores and the home furnishing chains of Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, and Home Resource. For frocks and such, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's Banana Republic, Aldo, Chicos, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillard's and The Gap keep fashionistas satisfied.
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