The Best Mall in Tampa: Tampa's Shopping Paradise: A Realtor's Guide to International Plaza
As a Realtor in Tampa, I've seen my fair share of malls, but let me tell you, International Plaza and Bay Street is the crème de la crème of shopping destinations in our sunny city. Nestled right next to Tampa International Airport, this retail haven is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Today, I'm going to give you the inside scoop on why this mall should be at the top of your Tampa bucket list.
The Best Mall in Tampa: The Luxe Life
First things first, let's talk about the sheer scale of this place. With over 200 specialty stores, International Plaza is a shopaholic's dream come true. As Aaron Hunt, Broker of Avalon Group Realty, puts it, "International Plaza isn't just a mall; it's a lifestyle destination that epitomizes the vibrant spirit of Tampa."
From high-end fashion to cutting-edge tech, this mall has it all. You'll find everything from Zara and Lululemon to Armani Exchange and Apple. And let's not forget the crown jewels: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Dillard's. These anchor stores alone are worth the trip.
"As a Realtor in Tampa, I often recommend International Plaza to my clients who are new to the area," says Pam Amante, fellow Realtor at Avalon Group Realty. "It's not just about shopping; it's about experiencing the best that Tampa has to offer."
A Feast for the Senses
Now, let's talk about something near and dear to my heart: food. After hours of retail therapy, you're bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Bay Street at International Plaza has got you covered. With 16 restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, you're spoilt for choice.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, there's something for everyone. Personal favorites include The Cheesecake Factory (because, well, cheesecake) and The Capital Grille for those special occasions.
"The dining options at International Plaza are a perfect representation of Tampa's diverse culinary scene," notes Yvette Kim, another stellar Realtor in our Avalon Group Realty team. "It's one of the reasons why Tampa is such a fantastic place to live and work."
The Best Mall in Tampa: More Than Just Shopping
But wait, there's more! International Plaza isn't just about shopping and dining. It's an experience. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy, making it a great place to people-watch or simply soak in the vibrant Tampa vibe.
And let's not overlook the convenience factor. Its proximity to the airport makes it an ideal stop for travelers. In fact, the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza offers a courtesy airport shuttle, making it a perfect base for out-of-town visitors.
A Walk Through History
Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane. The story of International Plaza is as fascinating as the mall itself. Would you believe that this shopping mecca was once an 18-hole Hall of Fame golf course? That's right! The plans for this retail wonderland first began way back in 1986, spearheaded by real estate developer Dick Corbett.
It wasn't until 1998 that the big names started rolling in. First came the announcements of Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom as anchors, followed quickly by Neiman Marcus. Dillard's joined the party later that year, completing the fantastic four of anchor stores.
The mall officially opened its doors on September 14, 2001. Despite the somber national mood following the 9/11 attacks just days before, International Plaza managed to flourish, becoming the go-to destination for Tampa's fashion-forward crowd.
The Best Mall in Tampa: Evolution and Growth
Like any great entity, International Plaza has evolved over the years. The Lord & Taylor store closed in 2004, making way for a Robb & Stucky furniture store. When Robb & Stucky closed due to bankruptcy in 2011, the space was transformed into an upscale fitness gym, LifeTime Athletic, in 2014.
These changes reflect the mall's ability to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of Tampa's residents. As a Realtor in Tampa, I've seen how this flexibility has contributed to the area's overall appeal.
The Renaissance Hotel: A Perfect Complement
In August 2004, the Renaissance Hotel opened its doors, adding another layer of luxury to the International Plaza experience. With 293 rooms and 12,500 square feet of meeting space, it's not just a place to rest your head after a day of shopping - it's a destination in itself.
The hotel's direct connection to Bay Street makes it incredibly convenient for visitors. It's not uncommon for my out-of-town clients to stay here while we're house hunting. After all, what better way to get a feel for Tampa life than by staying right in the heart of its premier shopping district?
The Best Mall in Tampa: Bay Street: Where Tampa Comes to Play
While the main mall is undoubtedly impressive, we can't forget about Bay Street. This open-air section of International Plaza is where Tampa really comes alive. Anchored by Restoration Hardware, it's home to some of the best restaurants in the city.
From the mouthwatering steaks at The Capital Grille to the fun, vibrant atmosphere of Bar Louie, Bay Street is where Tampa's social butterflies come to spread their wings. It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of house showings or to celebrate closing a deal on your dream home.
Looking to the Future
As a Realtor in Tampa, I'm always excited about new developments in our city. And International Plaza keeps delivering. Word on the street is that Dick's Sporting Goods is planning to open a store here in 2024, relocating from the nearby WestShore Plaza. This addition will undoubtedly add another dimension to the mall's already impressive lineup.
This constant evolution is what keeps International Plaza at the forefront of Tampa's retail scene. It's not content to rest on its laurels but continually strives to offer the best shopping experience possible.
The Best Mall in Tampa: The Crown Jewel of Tampa's Retail Scene
In conclusion, International Plaza and Bay Street is more than just a mall; it's a testament to Tampa's growth and sophistication. As a Realtor in Tampa, I've seen our city evolve over the years, and this mall is a shining example of that progress.
From luxury brands to casual dining, from high-end department stores to specialty boutiques, International Plaza has something for everyone. It's not just a place to shop; it's a place to experience the best of Tampa.
So, whether you're a local looking for a day out or a visitor wanting to get a taste of Tampa's retail scene, make sure to put International Plaza and Bay Street on your itinerary. Trust this Realtor in Tampa - you won't be disappointed!
And remember, if you're thinking of making Tampa your home (and who wouldn't want to live near this shopping paradise?), give us a call at Avalon Group Realty. We'd be more than happy to help you find your dream home in this fantastic city. After all, every great shopping spree needs an equally great home to return to.
The Best Mall in Tampa: List of Stores
- 10&10 Enoteca
- A Sneaker City
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Aerie
- ALDO
- Allen Edmonds
- ALMA REST BAR
- Alo
- Altar'd State
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Amorino Gelato
- Ann Taylor
- Apple
- Arhaus
- Aritzia
- Aroma360
- Athleta
- Auntie Anne's
- Auto Spa America
- A|X Armani Exchange
- Banana Republic
- Banter by Piercing Pagoda
- Bar Louie
- Bath & Body Works
- Bazille (inside Nordstrom)
- Beach Bunny
- Birch Lane
- BOSS
- Breitling
- Brio Italian Grille
- Brow Art 23
- Buckle
- Burberry
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Calzedonia
- Capital Grille, The
- Cell Doc
- Champs Sports
- Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique
- Charleys Philly Steaks
- Cheesecake Factory, The
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Chubbies Shorts
- Claire's
- Clarks
- Coach
- Crate & Barrel
- David Yurman
- Designer's Closet
- DIAMONDS NAILS & LASHES
- DICK'S HOUSE OF SPORT (Coming Soon)
- Dillard's
- Doc B's Restaurant & Bar
- Earl of Sandwich
- Everything But Water
- Express
- Express Men
- Fabletics
- Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs
- Fit2Run, The Runner's Superstore
- Flor + Palma
- Foot Locker
- Foreign Citizen
- Free People
- Gap
- Garage Clothing
- GNC
- GoFruit
- Golden Goose
- Great American Cookie and Pretzel Maker
- Gucci
- H&M
- Helzberg Diamonds
- Hollister Co.
- Honey Birdette
- ifix and repair
- Impossible Kicks
- Intimissimi
- IWC (Coming Soon)
- J.Crew
- J.Jill
- Jo Malone London
- Johnny Was
- Journeys
- Karma and Energy
- kate spade new york
- Kay Jewelers
- Kids Foot Locker
- KING CORONA CIGARS
- L'OCCITANE en Provence
- Läderach
- LensCrafters
- Lids
- Lilly Pulitzer
- LOFT
- Lotus Express
- Louis Vuitton
- LoveSac
- Lovisa
- lululemon
- LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
- Luxor Nails
- MAC Cosmetics
- Mayors
- MCM
- Michael Kors
- Milano Exchange
- Miniso
- Montblanc
- Morgan Automotive Import Motorcars
- Neiman Marcus
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Ebar
- Oakley
- Ocean Prime
- OFFLINE by Aerie
- Omega
- Optimal Wellness
- PacSun
- Pandora
- PERFUME PALACE
- PINK
- Pokeworks
- PREDIRE PARIS
- Psycho Bunny
- Purple Mattress
- Qargo Coffee
- Quay
- Ray-Ban
- Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
- RH Gallery
- Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
- Rolex at Mayors
- Saint Laurent
- Sephora
- Shoe Palace
- Soma
- Southern Athletica
- Stance
- State & Liberty (Coming Soon)
- Steve Madden
- Street Crust Artisan Cookery
- Suki Hana
- Sunglass Hut
- Swarovski
- Swatch
- T-Mobile
- TAG Heuer
- Talbots
- TAO SANCTUARY
- Tecovas
- Tempur-Pedic
- Tesla Motors
- The B-12 Store
- THE BOBA TEA COMPANY
- Tiffany & Co.
- Tommy Bahama
- Tony Roma's Bones & Burgers
- Tory Burch
- TravisMathew
- Tumi
- UNTUCKit
- Urban Outfitters
- Vans
- Verizon Wireless Retailer (Cellular Sales)
- Versace
- Victoria's Secret
- Warby Parker
- Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
- White House Black Market
- Williams-Sonoma
- ZARA
- Zarzis Olive Oil
This extensive list showcases the incredible variety of stores available at International Plaza and Bay Street, making it a premier shopping destination for any Realtor in Tampa to recommend to clients or visitors.
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