Scotty's hardware chain should be in the recycling business. Last weekend, it reopened a store on Largo's Walsingham Road as the Largo Outlet Mall.
Inside are more than 120 vendors selling everything from jewelry and T-shirts to fresh produce and slip covers. It is the fourth such indoor flea market opened by the Winter Haven retailer; others are in Bradenton, Plant City and Sebring. At least five more are scheduled to open later this year.
Scotty's still operates 51 hardware stores in Florida, including nine in the Tampa Bay area, and one in Georgia. David James, president of Scotty's outlet malls, says the new format appeals to shoppers looking for a change.
"People are looking for something different than regular, overpriced malls and old, run-down, hot (outdoor) flea markets," he said, adding that all merchandise is new. "We attract a more upscale customer who is still looking for something unique at a good price."
Not quite Rodeo Drive in a box, perhaps, but upscale nonetheless.
