News
Compared to Miami and other big cities, Tampa Bay isn't a mecca for shoe shopping, but it's not a desert, either. Department stores, chain retailers and a few independent shops offer plenty in fabulous footwear. While this may come as no surprise to fashion-seekers, here's a Shoes for Dummies guide for shopping locally. Consider it an invitation to get out and treat your feet.
DSW
If boutiques don't offer enough selection for you, then stroll down row after row of footwear for every occasion at this megastore. The shoes are already reasonably priced, and with the ample birthday coupons, reward bucks and online promo codes, you'll want to frame your receipt. Three Tampa Bay locations: 1500 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 879-2520; 15020 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 908-5600; 949 Brandon Town Center Mall, Brandon, (813) 681-8054. dsw.com.
Georgette's
This independently owned boutique is known for its beautiful party dresses, but the bling doesn't stop there. Georgette's carries several lines of special occasion shoes aimed at finishing off the perfect head-to-toe look. 141 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 254-1141; georgettesfashions.com.
Nordstrom
Savvy shoehounds pencil in this department store's semi-annual sales well in advance. Each event offers at least 33 percent off the store's glorious shoe collection, which takes up two floors in the stockroom. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Half-Yearly Sale. (Yes, it's capitalized; it's that important.) The sale on summer merch is May 26 to June 6 for women's and kids shoes, and June 18 to 29 for men's footwear. The Anniversary Sale on all shoes is July 16 to Aug. 1. Then the Half-Yearly Sale returns in late fall. At International Plaza, 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa, (813) 875-4400; shop.nordstrom.com.
Payless
If your eye for shoes is bigger than your wallet, then check out Payless. This mega chain makes it easy to adopt the belief that you can never have too many pairs. You won't find the latest name brands, but you will find the latest styles in prices any budget can afford. Stay on the lookout for the frequent BOGO deals — buy one pair, get the second pair half off. The current sale ends May 3. To find one of the many Tampa Bay area stores, go to payless.com.
Poco Pattino
Parents looking for shoes you won't find in chain stores should check out this locally owned children's shoe boutique. Poco Pattino sells several brands of European shoes for infants to school-age kids. International Plaza, second level next to Nordstrom's, (813) 258-1900; pocopattino.com.
Prime Outlets Ellenton
Make the pilgrimage down to Manatee County for factory store prices on everything from Nike and Reebok to Kate Spade and Kenneth Cole. 5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton, (941) 723-1150; primeoutlets.com.
— Susan Thurston and Dalia Colon
Loading...
