New retail, lifestyle shop to open on St. Armands Circle

Pedestrians strolling along St. Armands Circle may have recently noticed a few bright blue posters teasing a new development on the business epicenter. They boldly proclaim, "COMING SOON: The Sarasota Style."

At 22 years old, Malia Price is spearheading the launch of a new lifestyle brand focused on Sarasota. She said the shop will feature clothing, accessories, can coolers, beach towels and anything else patrons may need to enjoy a day out on the town or at the beach in style.

She created the store's flagship "sunshiney" logo, and the brand aims to celebrate what makes the area such a special place for visitors and residents alike.

"It's inspired by Sarasota's beauty and culture," she explained. "I've never been to any other place like it. People travel from all over to see some of the best beaches in the world."

Photo by Dana Kampa

Price grew up in Orange Beach, Alabama, which boasts impressive sugar sand beaches of its own. After earning a business administration degree from Auburn University, she worked as the general manager of The Orange Beach Store, a souvenir and gift shop. 

She said the experience of managing the construction and early operation of the store helped pave the way for her to take on the challenge of launching her own business.

"I've always known I wanted to create something," she said. 

She officially moved to Sarasota a month ago to wholeheartedly jump into realizing her dream of opening the shop.

She is a 50-50 owner with her partners in Orange Beach. St. Armands topped the list of locations she visited on a market scouting tour she did weeks before hurricanes Helene and Milton landed along the coast.

Price remained undeterred, moving forward with launching the business. Ideally, she hopes to open the store by September, but plenty of tasks lie ahead to transform the empty space into a hopping place featuring Sarasota fashion that she envisions.

"Right now, it's an empty shell with concrete block walls," she said, though she painted a picture of a chic space with wall-mounted displays and eye-catching merchandise.

Courtesy image

Besides her own branded apparel, Price's store will also feature products by local artisans, she said.

While there are many milestones, Price looks forward to celebrating along the journey. She said one moment she most eagerly anticipates is enjoying opening day with her family.

The shop is located on the main circle, next to Crab & Fin, at the former site of Tilden Ross Jewelers. Price said she is heartened to see neighboring businesses continue to reopen and reinvigorate St. Armands Circle, and she looks forward to bringing her energy to the area as well.