Where to go shopping in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is, among other things, a major cruise ship terminal, and the embarkation point for trips throughout the Caribbean. Millions of people pass through here every year on their way to somewhere else, and they may not realize just how much the city itself has to offer. For example, like most of coastal Florida, Fort Lauderdale offers beautiful beaches of its own, with no need to go all the way to some sunny Caribbean island.

It's also a great place to shop. Whether you're here before or after a cruise or heading to Fort Lauderdale for its own sake, you'll soon find that the retail experiences on offer here are second to none. Department stores, shopping malls, produce markets, and quirky boutiques are all conveniently located and ready to provide you with an astonishing range of items, from high-fashion to delicious food to unique souvenirs, all contributing to some amazing shopping in Fort Lauderdale.

And you can make things easier on yourself by taking advantage of Bounce storage in Fort Lauderdale. Leave your bags behind so that you can carry on shopping or enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant. Bounce can look after just about anything for as long as you need until you're ready to pick it up, so download our app and use it to find your nearest storage location to make your trip easier.

All you need to know when shopping in Fort Lauderdale

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant experience, blending luxury, local charm, and tropical flair. Whatever you want to buy and whatever kind of shopping you like to do, chances are good you can do it here. Leave your suitcases or other bags behind with us and enjoy the extensive retail offerings of this Florida city.

Shopping architecture

Fort Lauderdale’s shopping areas include everything from elegant open-air malls to quirky neighborhood boutiques. Getting around the city is relatively easy, so you can explore a variety of different retail experiences from scouting for bargains at the Pier 6 market in Pompano Beach or the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop flea market to the Dania Beach mainstay of the Old Florida Book Shop. These are some other popular locations:

• Las Olas Boulevard: A lively strip lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. One of the most famous shopping streets in the city, this is a great place to spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the offerings from some of the more unique stores in the city.
• Galleria Mall: A high-end shopping destination featuring luxury brands and stylish dining options. It's an ideal place to pick up something chic and fashionable, and then show it off at an exclusive restaurant.
• Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Shops: Perfect for picking up beachwear, souvenirs, and local goods. If you need a pair of sandals or a beach umbrella, you'll have tons of options, and these cheerful shops, while anything but high-end, offer everything you need to enjoy the sand and the water.
• FATVillage Arts District: A creative hub for handmade crafts, unique fashion, and vintage finds. This is where to come if you love the thrill of the hunt because you never know what you're going to find here. Unique items handcrafted by local artists make exceptional souvenirs and allow you to explore the cultural side of Fort Lauderdale that often gets eclipsed by its beaches and vacation vibe.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Fort Lauderdale open around 10:00 AM and close by 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. Seasonal events, such as holiday markets and sidewalk sales, add extra excitement to the shopping experience. The warm Florida weather means that you can shop outdoors practically year-round, and you can almost always find a shop that's ready to serve you here.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are fixed in most malls and boutiques, but some smaller stores and markets may allow for bargaining. Watch for seasonal sales, particularly during Black Friday and post-holiday periods, for great deals. Major retailers often have sales throughout the year, so it always pays to browse around to get the best deal.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as many businesses encourage eco-friendly practices.
• Use public transportation or rideshare options to navigate shopping districts easily, especially during busy weekends. Some of the shopping districts of Fort Lauderdale are quite spread out, and you'll do plenty of walking from one store to the next, so it's a good idea to spell yourself some steps and take advantage of public transit when you can. Alternatively, you could consider renting a car to get to some of the more outlying shopping districts and really make the most of what Fort Lauderdale has.
• Carry cash for local markets and smaller vendors. Credit cards are more and more widely accepted these days, but sometimes, having ready cash can help you make a better deal or at least mean you don't have to stop shopping if the technology fails.

Unique shops to visit in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is home to distinctive stores that reflect its eclectic and creative vibe. You can explore some great shops both in the downtown area and by the beach, as well as some of the outlying areas. Leave your belongings with Bounce and explore these unique shops to get something that will always help you remember your Florida trip.

Carrazza Jewelers

A local favorite for handcrafted jewelry, this boutique specializes in unique designs inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s coastal charm. They also offer art and collectibles, so if your budget allows and you're in the market for something truly exquisite and unique, this is a likely place to find it.

Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd

MODS Gift Shop (Museum of Discovery and Science)

This shop offers educational toys, books, and science-themed gifts, making it a great stop for families. It's the perfect place to browse after a trip to the museum and pick up some cool gifts and unusual items.

Address: 401 SW 2nd St

Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar

A delightful combination of a boutique florist and a coffee shop, Ann’s offers stunning floral arrangements, vintage finds, and a cozy spot for a latte. It's a great spot for people-watching and an excellent place to take a break in beautiful surroundings and enjoy the atmosphere.

Address: 1001 E Las Olas Blvd

Grateful Palate & Market

This upscale market offers gourmet foods, local wines, and artisan goods, perfect for foodies. You can explore local delicacies and excellent food from around the world, so it's a perfect place to bring your appetite.

Address: 3033 NE 32nd Ave

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale beyond clothing

The city’s markets and specialty shops showcase Fort Lauderdale’s rich culture and vibrant community. Visiting the shops is more than just a chance to pick up unique items. It's a way to engage with the local community and experience more of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

The Yellow Green Farmers Market

South Florida’s largest farmers market, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and international cuisine. Shopping here is guaranteed to make you hungry, but luckily, there's so much great food on offer here that you'll want to stay a while and try as much of it as you can.

Address: 3080 Sheridan St, Hollywood

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Market

A quaint outdoor market featuring local artists, handmade goods, and beach-themed decor. The phone atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of this market make it a must-visit while you're in the area.

Address: Commercial Blvd & El Mar Drive

Traditional shopping options in Fort Lauderdale

For more conventional shopping experiences, Fort Lauderdale offers upscale malls and bustling shopping centers. Because sometimes, you just need a place to pick up a few items from brands you recognize or to do one-stop shopping that also offers food options and play areas for kids. If that's the case, these malls will fit the bill perfectly.

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

An upscale mall featuring popular retailers like Macy’s, Michael Kors, and Sephora, along with fine dining options.

Address: 2414 E Sunrise Blvd

Las Olas Boulevard

A mix of high-end boutiques, independent stores, and art galleries set against a charming streetscape. This area is perfect for a relaxed shopping day, and it has a little bit of everything, so no matter what you're looking for, you'll probably find it here.

Sawgrass Mills

Located just outside Fort Lauderdale, this massive outlet mall is the largest in the U.S., offering discounts on luxury and high-street brands. If you want to look stylish without spending a fortune, there aren't many better places to do it than here.

Address: 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise

Fort Lauderdale’s shopping scene offers something for everyone, from luxurious malls to charming markets and unique boutiques. Beautiful beachfront markets and pop-up stores add to the lively atmosphere of the city, while the downtown area offers just about every kind of shop you could possibly want. Spend some time exploring Fort Lauderdale's retail environment, and you'll soon see why it's such a haven for shoppers.

Let Bounce look after your things so you can get more shopping done. In Fort Lauderdale, it's easy to transition from a day of shopping to a night on the town, and Bounce makes it easy by making sure you always have a place to leave your things, whether that's near the port, the Fort Lauderdale Airport, or downtown. Download our app and find your nearest storage location today.