Shop Small All Year Long, Orlando

It hasn’t been a great year in retail. Rising prices, tariffs, consumers watching their spending, and saying no to extra items they don’t need. All that creates the perfect financial storm, leaving behind the wreckage of brick-and-mortar businesses deciding to close up shop.  Every year, I update these guides, looking to add new shops that have opened, but it mostly ends up being me deleting businesses that are no longer with us or that have perhaps switched to online-only sales.  

Orlando has a fantastic mix of locally owned shops to support year-round. If you find yourself in a rut where you only think about helping them on Small Business Saturday, remember that these local shops don’t just need help to make it through the end of the year; they need our support year-round.

I say this often, especially after I've traveled to other cities: Orlando has more local shops than most cities its size (and even larger).  It creates a unique character in every neighborhood, and shopping at these businesses supports the local economy while also helping preserve that character. If you love spending the afternoon in Audubon Park, hopping from shop to shop, think of what would happen if all those shops and local eateries disappeared and were replaced with chain stores, AT&Ts, and Subways. The entire neighborhood would be ruined, and it would no longer be a desirable place to live or play.

Whether finding a quirky gift in an independent boutique or enjoying a meal at a family-owned restaurant, shopping locally keeps Orlando's heart beating strong, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and thriving destination not just for tourists but also for us, the citizens.

To find a comprehensive guide to shopping local this season, head over to my updated 2025 Shop Small Orlando Guide.