Former Sarasota Big Lots to get new life as antique mall

A new way to shop for antiques and collectibles is coming to Sarasota. Florida’s Antique Mall is planning to open in the former Big Lots store on North Beneva Road by the end of 2026.

“What makes our business unique is that we’re not just opening another antique store,” Florida’s Antique Mall COO Ron Millward says in an email responding to questions from the Business Observer. “We’re creating a home for hundreds of independent small businesses under one roof.”

Sarasota will be the second location for Florida’s Antique Mall, which opened its flagship in Citrus County’s Inverness in August 2024. Located inside a former Bealls store, the Inverness mall has grown to 350 vendors and more than 400,000 items. It spans over 70,000 square feet.

"Sarasota has been on our radar for quite some time," Millward says. "It’s a growing community with a strong appreciation for antiques, vintage merchandise, art, collectibles and small businesses. We saw an opportunity to bring something to the area that really doesn’t exist on this scale."

Last week, Florida’s Antique Mall hosted its first vendor interest dinner in Sarasota. 

“The response was incredible,” Millward says. “More than 170 people attended, and over 40 prospective vendors placed deposits to secure spaces that evening.”

Vendors include entrepreneurs, collectors, artists, resellers and people who have turned their passions into businesses, Millward says. They bring their own inventory, displays and personality into the space.

While the company has seen success in Citrus County, Florida’s Antique Mall in Sarasota will have its own flavor.

“Ultimately, our goal isn’t simply to replicate Inverness,” Millward says. “We want Sarasota to develop its own identity while maintaining the same customer service, organization, community atmosphere and opportunities that have made our original location successful.”

The company plans to hire about seven direct employees, including a general manager, floor managers, vendor relations and administrative support and sales associates, according to Millward, who notes the economic impact extends beyond its immediate staff.

“Each vendor represents an independent business, many of which rely on their sales to supplement their income or support their families,” Millward says. “We’re creating opportunities for hundreds of people to operate and grow their own businesses without the overhead of opening a traditional storefront.”

For now, Florida’s Antique Mall is finalizing its plans for the 42,000-square-foot space at 501 N. Beneva Road.

“We’re currently working through the final stages of securing the property, planning the layout and coordinating everything needed to prepare the building for our vendors and customers,” Millward says. “We’re a growing Florida business, and we’re excited about the opportunity to invest in Sarasota, create jobs, support local entrepreneurs and bring new life to an existing retail property.”