Best Shopping in Fort Myers

One of Fort Myers best-known consignment shops for high end gently used clothing and accessories, Once Again has been in business for 30 years. Bought by two former customers (and best friends) in 2013, the new owners have put a fresh coat of paint and a fresh face on the busy business. Hundreds of new items come in every day so you never know what treasures you'll find in the nooks and crannies here; everything from Jimmy Choo shoes to Chanel bags and the largest selection in the area of second hand Lilly Pulitzer clothing. The drawers and racks of accessories are fun and fabulous. This is not your grandma's consignment store.

Family-run Bailey's General Store is a Sanibel Island institution. The homey, friendly atmosphere makes it a memorable part of any trip to the island. Part grocery store, part hardware store, Bailey's is the place to "stock up" for your vacation, with everything you could possibly need for your stay. And if you are too relaxed to leave your beachfront condo, Baileys will deliver to your doorstep. The store offers everything from clothing, housewares and beach gear, to gluten-free groceries and organic produce. Of course, you'll also find a wide selection of beer and wine too. The store has even has a coffee bar and delicious homemade bakery items.

Wilford & Lee is nestled in the corner of a strip mall off of the well-traveled US-41 in Fort Myers and is the company's flagship store; there are a total of four in Southwest Florida including Sanibel Island and Bonita Springs. Enjoy more than 16-thousand square feet of shopping with home decor and sparkling treasures from floor to ceiling. The variety is impressive; everything from metal wall hangings to SwitchFlops shoes, candles and jewelry. Christmas kitsch is available year-round with lots of flamingo ornaments and Santa's on surf boards. Wilford & Lee has been a favorite stop for locals for more than twenty-five years for its huge variety.

With a reputation for producing some of the highest quality citrus juice in the region, Sun Harvest is full of Florida sunshine. Buy freshly squeezed juice and freshly picked fruit, or at least sample it. It's particularly fun to visit when the processing and packing plant is in operation. Giant glass windows offer a first-hand look at the high tech system and the smell is heavenly. Sun Harvest sells much more than citrus and citrus inspired foods. You'll find quite an array of food, seasonings and sauces produced in Florida, along with unique gifts. Shop for Christmas ornaments, stuffed alligators, mermaid sculptures, dolphin photos and all things tropical.

Located in North Fort Myers, this iconic shopping center and local attraction features well over 65,000 feet of retail space full of merchandise. You'll find a section dedicated to Christmas, regardless of the time of year. Sectioned off, the store has jewelry, clothing, kids gear, shells, shells and more shells. The main showroom boasts a selection of more than five million shells collected from beaches worldwide. There are even mini museum displays amount the racks and rows of mostly tropical items. The Shell Factory is more than a shopping destination, it's a family entertainment destination as well with a Fun Park boasting bumper boats and a zip line across the lake, and a Nature Park with both exotic and native animals, including alligators.

Arts for ACT is not your typical art establishment. The non-profit gallery is owned and operated by Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center, an organization that provides shelter and support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The front of this downtown Fort Myers gallery showcases a new artist every 2-4 weeks. The rest of the brick wall, wood floor rooms feature work from a diverse array of artists, ranging from funky jewelry and abstract pieces to mixed media and traditional Florida-style art. You'll even find vintage and gently loved accessories, clothing and shoes in the back rooms. Take your time here as there are treasures to discover in every corner.

Boasting more than 35 retail shops, Periwinkle Place looks as much like a well-manicured public space as it does a shopping center. Situated along and named after Sanibel's main road, it's the largest shopping plaza on the island. This is the place to go if you are looking for upscale men's and women's fashions, as its covered boardwalks lead past boutique after boutique, many of them locally-owned. The very first Chico's clothing store is located here. Pick up some bling at Congress Jewelers, or unique art at Island Style. After shopping, treat yourself to a meal at the Blue Giraffe or enjoy some professional pampering at the Sanibel Day Spa.

This open-air, Main Street-style mall just south of Fort Myers in Estero, is the center of a 500-acre master-planned community, giving it a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by glistening lakes and fountains, shoppers stroll the lovely boardwalk, collecting goodies from 113 stores along the way. One side is lined with so-called box stores such as Target, World Market and Ulta. The other side is full of more high end boutique places such as Chanel, Pandora, Lucky Brand, West Elm and Apple. After browsing your favorites unwind with a movie and dinner at one of 25 restaurants. The options are endless at this pet friendly shopping and dining destination.

The Franklin Shops is a two-story building in the heart of the River District in downtown Fort Myers, that resembles a mini indoor mall or market. The many shops inside include boutiques, art exhibitions and ever-changing pop-up retailers. In this one-stop-shop, you can pick up clothing, jewelry, home decor, fine art, pet items, various novelty items and so much more. You'll find treasures in every corner and the occasional artist on site, painting or crafting their wares. All shops are locally owned, and much of the merchandise is also locally made. If you're looking for a unique gift or memento from your trip to Fort Myers, you are sure to find something special here.

Only 18 miles south of Fort Myers proper, this open-air Mediterranean-style outlet mall's bright covered sidewalks are lined with more than 140 designer and brand-name stores. Bargain hunters will delight at the prices, up to 70% off regular retail numbers. Amidst picturesque fountains, koi ponds and vibrant murals, shoppers discover spectacular sales at such well-known and beloved outlets as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Michael Kors, Bloomingdales, H&M, Oakley, Vineyard Vines, Polo Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie & Fitch to name a few. As a bonus, you'll find a several locally owned shops and restaurants. The expansive lakefront dining piazza and fantastic free events including live concerts and fireworks, complete this poll-topping retail paradise.