Shop Local, South Tampa!
Small businesses give a community its character and individuality. They represent neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends. And for every $100 spent in a small business, almost $70 stays in the local economy. Now that’s a reason to be merry!
3104 W PALMIRA AVE
Jewelry, clothing, accessories: The best description I’ve heard of DKM is that it’s where you go to accessorize the casual look. In a relaxed-yet-sophisticated town like Tampa, the right accessory is key to a finished look—which is probably why DKM has been so popular for 22 years. And anyway, why buy a whole new outfit when you can refresh one you already have with a few well-chosen accessories?
1631 W SNOW CIR
I’m a realtor but also a veterinarian, so it’s fitting for this shop to make my Top 10. To say owner Rene Neff loves dogs is an understatement. For 17 years, she’s been obsessed with bringing you cozy beds, tough toys, snazzy collars, organic crunchy snacks and training treats, and everything else that helps a dog thrive. Downtown Digs chose its pet-friendly location well—take Fido on a shopping spree!
3714 HENDERSON BLVD
Ask anybody where to buy the most fun local gifts and you’ll get the same answer: Hazel + Dot. Owned by PHS grad Allison Bernardi, this is where you find Tampa-themed items like zip code pillows, candles, tumblers, calendars, baby stuff, doggie stuff, totally unique Bucs, Rays and Lightning gear, and so much more. You’ll find something unexpectedly great every time you walk in the door.
4217 W BAY TO BAY BLVD
Parosh Hawaii and Kelly Spangler were determined to employ as many Kurdistan artisans as they could. Enter Lüfka, Tampa’s first refillable bath and body company. Turns out, going zero waste is easier than you think. And here’s the thing: Their eco-friendly products are seriously luxurious. Bring your own containers or choose from theirs, then fill ‘em up with amazing products and raw ingredients!
3410 HENDERSON BLVD
When he was only 14, Mark Oliva begged his folks to let him go down to South Florida (alone) to explore suppliers. They actually let him, and the rest is history. The Mavilo showroom sometimes feels like happy hour lol—maybe it’s the super nice lounge or maybe it’s because you always run into friends. Community means a lot to Mavilo. Take a look at their Insta and you’ll see what I mean!
719 CENTRAL AVE ST PETERSBURG
The Arts Center has had one mission for 104 years: Bring art to the community. Their array of workshops is really impressive. Learn to sew. Make jewelry. Illustrate high fashion. Try glassblowing. Do yoga in the Chihuly garden. See what I mean? Be sure to check out Sweet Seasons, their big holiday show filled with unique items that make great gifts, all handmade by local artists (now through Dec 31st)
625 N DALE MABRY HWY
Nadeau carries handcrafted furniture and décor from around the globe. It’s like a bricks-and-mortar Etsy: An ever changing collection of gorgeous, functional, handmade wood furniture that’s offered at unbelievably affordable prices. Nadeau describes its goods as “furniture with a soul,” as each piece is a little different. You’ll also find beautiful mirrors, bowls, frames, vases and much more.
3310 W BAY TO BAY BLVD
Named for 60s style icon Penelope Tree, Manne White and Nickie Smith founded this fab boutique so women could comfortably experiment with their look and develop a style all their own. They have gorgeous clothes and contemporary accessories—high quality, creative designs you never knew you needed (but can’t live without). And Penelope T makes giving easy with gift certificates!
3225 S MACDILL AVE
Owner Tim Alberdi likes to call himself an old redneck from Tallahassee (he’s neither old nor a redneck). For 30 years he’s been dedicated to two things: Good wine and straight talk. The whole point of this shop is unfettered exploration, and with thousands of bottles in stock, there’s plenty to explore. Head to this no-pretention-zone for wine wisdom dispensed in down-home style.
3251 W BAY TO BAY BLVD
It may be Oprah’s favorite thing and Colin’s fantastic find, but Tampa has been in love with Toffee to Go for 19 years. The phrase “to die for” was invented to describe Jim and Lisa Schalk’s ridiculously good toffee. It’s still made locally, by hand, in small batches. They have boxes of freshly-made toffee in the shop right now, beautifully wrapped in their signature box and ready to give!
