Sarasota Square is a shopping center that has seen many changes over the years. Once a lively mall with a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment, it now features a more limited selection, including a Costco at its core. The addition of Costco has brought convenience and value to local shoppers, offering a broad range of goods alongside stores like H&M, Old Navy, F21red, and A'GACI, which appeal to a younger crowd. The center's location on the Tamiami Trail makes it easily accessible near beaches and tourist attractions. While some visitors remember the mall’s vibrant past, with favorite stores, restaurants, and holiday decorations, others express disappointment over its decline. The mall now has only a few stores open, such as JC Penny, Costco, a movie theater, and a home arcade store. It is described as quiet, clean, and suitable for a peaceful walk, but concerns about safety and the presence of homeless individuals have been noted. Despite these issues, the remaining stores and the attached Costco are seen as positives. Overall, Sarasota Square is a place that has shifted from a bustling shopping hub to a quieter, more limited retail space, holding onto some of its past charm while adapting to new challenges.
What a perfect place for a developer to convert all the empty stores into 55+ condos! I’d buy one! It may not be ideal, but it’s better than the alternative. That being the total collapse and demolition of another shopping mall.
May 2024
Everyone loves Costco! They have everything you could ever need and even things you didn't know you needed!
April 2024
Went to the movies and saw Dune part 2. Good movie until the end.