Most beaches are known for their never-ending line of Surf Styles, Wings, and other beach shops filled with souvenirs and t-shirts. Luckily, if you are in the mood to look hard enough, you can usually find some nicer and more unique retail spots on the beach. Clearwater Beach’s Mandalay Avenue is home to some great retail stores if you know where to look.
Key West Express is a small boutique located at 490 Mandalay Avenue. The clothing and accessory store has a distinct beach lifestyle vibe, and offers a large selection of clothing and accessories for just about any occasion. When you enter the shop, you will most likely be greeted by the owner, Suzie, and may even be offered a glass of wine. You can also expect to be remembered once you become a regular at the shop.
Just down the road from Key West Express at 458 Mandalay Avenue is another clothing shop called Freaky Tiki Surf Shack. While Key West caters mostly to women ages 21 and over, Freaky Tiki targets a younger crowd, mostly 12 and up. Similar to Hollister and Co., they carry anything from fitted t-shirts with their name across the chest to cute, well-priced sweaters and dresses. They also sell a selection of accessories and souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a souvenir that is uniquely Clearwater Beach, be sure to stop by Frenchy’s Off the Hook Gift Shop. Although it's not directly on Mandalay Avenue, this eccentric shop is right next to Frenchy’s Original Café at 49 Baymont Street and is a must-visit. Their selection of odds and ends ranges from cabinet knobs to hats to artwork and other keepsakes. A local and visitor favorite, the gift shop is just one part of the Frenchy’s chain.
Last, but certainly not least, is Hogan’s Beach Shop, a store dedicated to Clearwater Beach’s local wrestling star Hulk Hogan. Marked with an almost life-size statue of The Hulk, Hogan’s Beach Shop can be found at 483 Mandalay Avenue, Suite 108. Visitors can buy just about any Hulk merchandise imaginable, including dolls, shot glasses, clothing, and other items.
This is just a small sampling of the shops on Clearwater’s Mandalay Avenue. Learn more about Clearwater Beach’s shopping at their Chamber of Commerce website.
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