Last Updated on September 29, 2023
General stores in Florida were, more often than not, located on main streets in the town center, near or combined with the area’s post office. These areas served as meeting points for community discussions and gatherings.
General stores have a rich and varied history, dating back to the later 1700s. Also known as emporiums or mercantiles, they sold food, clothes, tools, and other essential items to people living in towns and their surrounding areas.
Despite the many changes and modern conveniences that have developed since their inception, there are still many general stores in operation in Florida. These places continue to be essential to people living in small towns, as well as quaint opportunities to turn back time and shop in places that have existed over the decades.
Five Vintage General Stores in Florida
Whether you are planning a road trip or are just curious about a little piece of Florida history, here are five vintage general stores in Florida you won’t want to miss:
Richloam General Store – Webster
Richloam General Store is a family-owned and operated store. It originally opened in 1922 as a general store and post office for the community of Richloam (Webster, Florida).
The store has a history that includes twists and turns: a fire, the Great Depression, a transition to a family home, vacancy for almost two decades, and then finally, in 2016, the decision to renovate and reopen the general store.
Richloam General Store is a place where visitors can shop a product selection reminiscent of the originally 1920s and 1930s store. The store sells old-fashioned toys, jars of candy, dry goods, local honey, jams, jellies, and sauces.
On October 12, 2017, the Richloam General Store and Post Office was placed on the National Register for Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. This year, the store celebrates its 100-year anniversary.
Learn more about the Richloam General Store and its 100-year anniversary: Historic Richloam General Store Celebrates its 100-Year Anniversary
Richloam General Store Address: 38219 Richloam Claysink Rd, Webster, FL 33597
Wood and Swink Store and Post Office – Evinston
The Wood and Swink Store and Post Office, also known as Evinston Community Store and Post Office, is located in Evinston. It became a general store in 1884 when it was purchased by the Evinston Postmaster. The store is known as Florida’s oldest continuously working post office.
In 1989, the building that houses the Wood and Sink Store and Post Office was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This place is a time capsule of Old Florida finds, including vintage goods from the 1940s, local jams, and postcards.
Wood and Swink Store and Post Office Address: 18320 SE County Road 225, Evinston, FL 32633
The Wiggins Store – Bradenton
The Wiggins Store was built in 1903 to serve the people of the Village of Manatee. The area was rapidly expanding at the time, with the arrival of electricity, telephones, and automobiles.
The two-level building was a store on the ground level and a rooming house on the second floor. Over the years, the building wore many hats, from a general store to beauty and barber shops, a hotel, and apartments before being shut down in 1983.
In 1985, the Manatee County Historical Commission acquired and restored the building, which reopened to the public as the Wiggins Store in 1990.
Today, visitors can stop by Wiggins General Store in Manatee Village Historical Park, where they can see the building and its exhibits, as well as other preserved sites like a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, courthouse, and burying grounds.
The Wiggins Store Address: 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton FL 34208
The General Store – Crystal River
The General Store is located in the historical Heritage Village in downtown Crystal River. The store has a variety of vintage and modern candies and novelty souvenirs.
The family-friendly establishment also sells Blue Bell ice cream and Coke and root beer floats that can be enjoyed in the store’s sit-down area. Relax and watch TV, eat sweet treats, and find some great purchases to take home from this old-fashion shop.
General Store Address: 639 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Seminole Heights General Store – Tampa
Seminole Heights General Store is located in Tampa and serves as a grocery store, bakery, and deli.
The place is known for its country-chic atmosphere. There are many delicious bites to order here, including salads, sandwiches, and chili.
For those with a sweet tooth, cookies, ice cream, and other bakery goods are excellent options.
There is a café menu with its own coffee selection. If you want to shop, the store sells a collection of soaps and home goods, as well as sauces, beverages, fresh produce, and more.
Seminole Heights General Store Address: 5420 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
If you enjoyed this article on vintage general stores in Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions: