Burns Mercantile: A Retro Department Store in the Heart of Historic Downtown Sarasota

Imagine that I live steps away from the Burns Mercantile department store, and yet I only discovered it through a local blogger and an article in Sarasota Magazine. I don't know how I missed this hidden gem, but the very next day, I went to see it for myself. What I found was charming, nostalgic, and utterly unlike any place in Sarasota.

My First Impression

Lindsey Osburn, the store manager, greeted me with a gentle smile. The moment I entered the space, the 21st century seemed to fall away. The preserved fireplace, the original wood floors glowing under gentle footfall, the vintage cash register at the soda counter - all whisper stories.

I took my time. The soda counter alone is a draw, with rows of bottled Cheerwine, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Coca-Cola, alongside boozy milkshakes, served beside a vintage cash register. Nearby sat local jars of smoked fish spread and strawberry-vanilla jam from Sunshine Canning of Cortez. The shelves around me were stocked with carefully chosen items: Owen’s Fish Camp branded mugs, hats, T‑shirts, and seasoning stickers.

There were origami‑style leather totes and harmonica necklaces, playful yet refined gifts with a retro vibe. I also spotted cozy stationery sets and vintage‑inspired outerwear. On another display, you could find jars of local honey, small‑batch condiments, and quirky decorative items like antique‑style clocks, novelty matchboxes, even sardine‑shaped soap - all arranged with quiet intention. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a vintage-flavored general store, with a touch of a curiosity cabinet.

A Bit of History

Burns Mercantile opened in late 2024, lodged within the same structure that hosts Owen’s Fish Camp at 530 Burns Lane, in the heart of the Burns Court historic neighborhood just south of downtown Sarasota. The district was initially established in 1924–1925 by Sarasota developer Owen Burns, in collaboration with architect Thomas Reed Martin, as a pedestrian-friendly cooperative subdivision of Mediterranean Revival–style bungalows.

The restaurant next door occupies a 1926 Sears & Roebuck fishing cottage, carefully preserved with its original squeaky wood floors and screened-porch charm—the perfect embodiment of vintage Old Florida. Burns Mercantile is located in the adjacent commercial wing of the same building, offering a curated selection of dry goods and a traditional general store experience.

The People Behind the Magic

Burns Mercantile is the creation of the Caragiulo family, the same team behind Owen’s Fish Camp, Caragiulo’s Italian American Restaurant, and Veronica’s Fish & Oyster. The Caragiulos have quietly shaped Sarasota’s modern identity through soulful hospitality and thoughtful design.

But why is the store named Burns Mercantile? The name reflects both its location and its spirit. Burns refers to the Burns Square Historic District. And Mercantile demonstrates the concept of a classic general store or dry goods emporium. It reflects the idea of a classic general store — a communal hub of trade, stories, and discovery. Burns Mercantile is intentionally modeled as an extended shopping experience tied to Owen’s Fish Camp, blending vintage flair, local goods, and a nostalgic retail atmosphere.

Visiting Info

Address: 530 Burns Lane, Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone: (941) 951 6901

Website: burnsmercantile.com

Hours: Opens daily at 3:00 p.m., typically closes around 10:00 p.m.

Check ahead before you go, as hours may vary.

Why It Matters to Sarasota

Sarasota isn’t just beaches, galleries, and events. It’s memory. It’s a story. It’s people who care deeply. Burns Mercantile embodies this spirit. It’s more than retail. It’s a cultural anchor, a bridge between our city’s past and its present. It shows that a shop can be soulful. That history can live in commerce. That authenticity still thrives.

Photos: iruphotos.com