STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Exit Art

When Debbie Stanick moved to Sarasota from Pittsburgh, Pa., she wanted to start a store that was unique. Thus, Exit Art was born and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“I wanted to start a store with the kind of things I like purchasing for myself,” Stanick said. “The name was pretty random, actually, I had to make a quick decision one day and figured I could change it one day if I wanted.”

Twenty years and four store locations later, the name has stuck.

Exit Art at the Centre Shops was the first location, followed by Exit Art at the Charthouse, the St. Armands Circle location and the Bradenton location, which just opened three years ago.

The shop carries clothing and accessories, jewelry, gifts, home accessories and artwork by Stanick’s husband, Peter Stanick.

“You can do a full range of shopping in one location, there’s an array of things we do,” Stanick said.

Exit Art is a fun experience for all types of shoppers, there’s something for everyone. Darker colors from fall clothing lines are starting to take over the racks at Exit Art. The popular clothing lines include Ella Moss, Splendid, Johnny Was, Seven for All Mankind, Paige Denim, Tom’s shoes and many more. Peter Stanick’s bright and funky artwork is displayed on the walls, and a new space next door to the Charthouse location is filled with art and furniture.

“We accommodate every age group," Stanick said. "Exit Art has something for everyone from a teenage girl all the way up.”

BASICS
Exit Art
Owner: Debbie Stanick
Locations: 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 26 N. Blvd. of the Presidents, St. Armands Circle; and 7480 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (201 GMD); 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday (5380 GMD); 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday (St. Armands); and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday (Bradenton)
Phone numbers: 387-7395 (201 GMD); 383-4099 (5380 GMD); 388-2827 (St. Armands); and 794-2540 (Bradenton)
Year established: 1990
Line of business: Clothing, furniture, jewelry, artwork and home accessories
What makes the business unique: “Anyone can do a full range of shopping in one location,” Debbie Stanick said. “You can come in for gifts, for decorating your home, purchasing clothing or accessories.”
Website: www.exit-art.com