August 2019: The Downtown neighborhood may be on the up, but the local retail scene still needs some catching up. One of our favorite local T-shirt shops, Neushop, closed its brick-and-mortar last year, leaving us searching high and low for basics. Thankfully, two new shops grace the list: Andrew, a skate shop with a major fan following, and Shoe Gallery, a prime destination for Miami sneakerheads.
Shopping in Downtown Miami isn’t what it used to be when giant department stores like La Epoca and Burdine’s (and then Macy’s) held court. But just as those businesses have shuttered and shoppers have moved on, heading instead to Miami malls, new boutiques have emerged in the historic district. You’ll find fresh T-shirt shops and trendy menswear emporiums alongside the string of Miami jewelry stores that have occupied the neighborhood for decades. (Downtown Miami shops still offer the city’s best deals on diamonds and luxury watches.) Ready to spend? Follow us to the best Downtown Miami shopping opportunities.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Downtown Miami
What is it? The sprawling menswear store is a place to discover new labels and experiment with style. Unlike large retailers, Supply & Advise culls from small producers and artisanal designers and stocks a healthy mix of clothing, accessories and sleek suits.
Why go? Supply & Advise takes window shopping to the next level, serving as a source of inspiration for fashionable gents. Walk in, have a chat, get a haircut upstairs and see what moves you.
What is it? Located on the bottom floor of the Seybold Building, the second-largest jewelry center in the U.S., Freddy’s is one of Downtown’s most trusted sources for diamonds. Fellas shopping for engagement rings will find brands like Tacori as well as in-house designs at deep discounts.
Why go? The people at Freddy’s are always willing to work with you, from suggesting less-expensive cuts and bargaining on price to creating custom designs.
What is it? A hip skate shop named for the epic hurricane that ravaged the city in the ’90s. Pro skaters and curious enthusiasts are equally welcome at Andrew.
Why go? One of the first, if not the only, places to buy brand-name gear plus score cool merch from Miami-made labels. Andrew also sells its own line of accessories and is behind the Design District’s skate park inside Jungle Plaza.
What is it? One of the few places where Miami sneakerheads go to worship is this Downtown lifestyle shop, featuring the latest kicks and accessories.
Why go? Up your chances of landing a limited-release sneaker with a visit to Shoe Gallery. From Yeezys to Nike Air Force Ones to other coveted shoes, the store holds online raffles for the chance to purchase.
What is it? Beads are only the beginning here. Bead Bazaar carries an array of charms, pendants, crystals and more of what you need to make your own accessories.
Why go? You don’t need a wholesaler account to cash in on Bead Bazaar’s discounts. Spend more than $200 on charms and sparkly loot (and easy feat here) and get 50 percent off your purchase.
What is it? This family-owned jewelry store sells Swiss timepieces, bespoke accessories and high-quality diamonds in a range of sizes and prices. Buchwald’s bread and butter are engagement rings, which they stock in mass as well as custom design.
Why go? Once your digits are blinged out, show your wrist some love. Buchwald’s collection of pre-owned and new Rolexes is impressive and caters to every phase of watch collecting.
What is it? A relic in the Miami retail scene, Bayside Marketplace has gone to the tourists in search of mojitos, live music and a decent water view. There’s no shortage of places to shop for souvenirs and other knickknacks.
Why go? Come sale time, the Wallflower bins at Bath & Works won’t be as picked over nor will the discounted racks at Gap. It’s all about the small wins at the outdoor shopping center.
What is it? Downtown’s first and only Whole Foods is bigger than most and the only one for miles. Go here for groceries, a hot meal and healthy-ish booze.
Why go? The parking situation in Downtown is the absolute worst but Whole Foods validates. Just make sure to get your ticket stamped after you park.
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