Orlando - shopping

[Subjecttosurvey]

Hi was looking for some info. on shopping when in Orlando. We were last there 6 years ago with a very strong pound and visited all the outlets and also Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia (think that was the one.) Now that the exchange rate is so poor, and also given that there are few brands in the states that we can't get in the UK, what would u recommend as worth checking out? Ie any interesting brands, genuine deals (back in the day we picked up converse for a fraction of the uk price but not sure if that would still be possible). Was also wondering if any of the supermarkets have good quality clothing lines that might be worth looking at? Many thanks in advance :)

Meant to add, the supermarket clothing question in particular is mainly in regard to kids' clothes, thanks.

Good question as I want to know this too

Having done 2 trips to Orlando this year (1 for work I hasten to add) I can safely say that it is definitely more expensive than it was last time I was there 4 years ago. It's not just the exchange rate but the prices are higher too.

I didn't go to Mall @ Millenia as it is much like Florida Mall and I think Florida Mall is looking very tired. The only benefit of it is that it has a Hollister and and A&F. However the cheaper brand which copies these 2 and is really taking off is Aeropostale.

We didn't do a huge amount of shopping but the 2 best were the Premium Outlets malls:

www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando/

With the better of the 2 being the one at the top of I-Drive near Sea World.

Both have Converse outlets with some good deals to be had but definitely more expensive than before. The mall on I-Drive as an Aeropostale outlet too with separate shops for adults and kids.

Didn't look at supermarkets at all.

Whilst we will unlikely see a £1/$2 rate anytime in the near future, the current exchange rate is nearly $1.60 to the pound sterling so its not too bad really.

Coach have nice bags and purses and there is an outlet store at the Orlando Premium Outlets near Sea World. Ralph Lauren, Nike, Timberland and Hollister (need a torch in that store!) tend to be more popular with the British visitors due to their high prices for their garments in the UK.

Reasonable quality kids clothes can be found in Walmart (ASDA is part of the Walmart family in the UK) or SuperTarget (there is one located near the Mall at Millenia) but the best place to buy childrens clothes overall would be in stores like Macys. Dillards and Sears (to name but three). Lots of choice, a surfeit of choice infact and reasonably priced.

Mall at Millenia is more upscale generally that the FL Mall. They certainly spent a lot of money on that place when building it.

Hi many thanks to you both for responding. Shame to hear the Florida Mall is looking tired, it was a favourite of ours as I went there loads with my family when I was still a teenager. Thanks for all the recommendations, will be sure to follow them up. Except Hollister however as DCs are way too young and alas we are way too old! :)

I always stock up at the Premium Outlets. For DC3 and 4 I stockpile from the Oshkosh shop as they always have really good sales there.

Older kids like Old Navy, Ralph Lauren etc and usually good some good deals there.

Supermarket stuff is crap.

Target and Walmart have decent clothes and you can get character t-shirts at half the price of the theme parks - Walmart have Avengers t-shirts for $7.50 atm.
JC penney have inexpensive cothes that last and wash well.
Aeropostale is like Hollister / A+F but loads cheaper and not available in the UK which is good.
We're off in 4 weeks and will be visiting
Florida mall
Premium I drive
Premium lake buena vista
Millenia (DD wants a Tiffany necklace for her birthday).
Best buy is good for gadgets, I'm eyeing up an ipad and kindle fire as we speak
I always get my skechers in the US , $50 a pair when they are £50+ here.

Why is supermarket stuff crap MO?
I'm still wearing stuff I bought in Walmart 4 years ago, the t-shirts and shorts have lasted better than much dearer ones from the mall.