This Alvin's Island, which is one of many up and down the beach, is situated just east of Pier Park on Front Beach Road.
Alvin's Island is a chain of souvenir shops that has just about every variety of souvenir you are after plus clothing, beach gear and wear sprinkled with a small variety of home decor and random accessories.
The store is fairly large and packed with merchandise. Legit wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Most of the merchandise is clothing, shirts to be more specific. All the clothing ranges in quality, with majority being low quality at low prices...the classic "buy 3 for $20" deals. With these, you know what you are getting. A cheap Gildan shirt that has been screen pressed on premises. If you are after something a bit higher quality, they do have small pockets of well-known brands, but you are paying a premium above what you would pay in the normal retail spots for the brands.
Outside of clothing, they have your classic souvenirs from shot glasses, cups, signage, towels and a wide variety of tchotchkes. Beach toys, chairs, floats and other beach accessories are available too. Lastly, they offer a small variety of suntan lotion and sunscreen.
Service is always less than stellar at these locations. They are about the volume, not the service and that is felt as a customer.
Overall, been swinging by Alvin's Island locations for years and have no plan to stop in the near future. read more