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Shops at Merrick Park: A Tropical Lifestyle Destination

September 5, 2023

Merrick Park exterior

This live/work/play shopping center serves the affluent community of Coral Gables.

Opened in 2002, the centerpiece of the elegant Shops at Merrick Park is a lush, palm tree-lined square with a fountain — perfect for people watching, outdoor dining, tai chi classes, and more. Located in the heart of exclusive Coral Gables, this open-air shopping center has evolved into a true placemaking environment where, in addition to shopping, visitors can dine at a variety of restaurants; work out at a fitness club or a SoulCycle studio; watch a movie; get a haircut, a manicure, or a massage at one of two full-service spas; and take their children to the pediatrician, the orthodontist, or ballet class. There’s even an on-sit, board-certified plastic surgeon, a medical spa, and a fertility clinic.

“The reason for success at Shops at Merrick Park is its location in Coral Gables,” says Shops at Merrick Park senior general manager Carlos Limontes. “We have seen incredible growth in this area. People want to live here, work here, and shop here.”

Unique from other Florida cities that experience seasonal shifts driven by tourism, Coral Gables offers a stable, year-round economy, a high quality of life, and excellent schools — including the 239-acre University of Miami. Dubbed “The City Beautiful” by founder George E. Merrick in 1925, this planned community located several miles southwest of Downtown Miami is known for its world-renowned botanic gardens and its Mediterranean Revival architecture. Since 2019, nearly 1,800 new residential units have been built in the area, and another 1,500 are scheduled to be complete by 2026.

One of the top attractions in Coral Gables and part of our Iconic Collection of luxury retail properties, the Mediterranean-style Shops at Merrick Park is anchored by luxury retailers Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. This year, a plethora of new retailers are bringing fresh energy and excitement to the shopping center.

So far in 2023, four new stores have opened at Shops at Merrick Park, and another six have been relocated and remodeled. A new Louis Vuitton store is scheduled to open in early September, joining the center’s impressive roster of luxury retailers including Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Lafayette 148 New York, and Tiffany & Co. Later this year, luxury home furniture retailer Arhaus is expected to open, along with eight other new retailers, including Alo Yoga, Boisson, Boy Meets Girl, Camilla, Coco Cigars, Purificacion Garcia, Splendid, and Tory Burch.

“There are several factors that are driving growth at Shops at Merrick Park,” Limontes says. “Most importantly, the south Florida market overall continues to perform very well and there is a desire for quality space. Second, the Coral Gables community is great for families and young professionals. Lastly, our leasing teams are continuing to elevate our tenant mix with a focus on luxury on the garden level, which has helped to propel interest among high-end retailers.”

Boasting nearly a dozen sit-down restaurants, Shops at Merrick Park delivers a variety of sophisticated and diverse culinary concepts. Pan-Latin restaurant Ecléctico offers a tapas- and taco-centric menu, perfect for quick bites and sharing. Sawa Restaurant & Lounge serves up an eclectic mix of classic Lebanese dishes, grilled kebabs, and sushi rolls. At Sea Grill, guests dine on freshly caught fish from the Aegean Sea and perfectly executed Greek favorites. And at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, signature dishes and flaming desserts are carved or prepared tableside. “On weekend nights, reservations are required at many of our restaurants, due to the demand for a quality dining experience,” Limontes notes.


“The reason for success at Shops at Merrick Park is its location in Coral Gables. People want to live here, work here, and shop here.”

—Carlos Limontes, Senior General Manager, Shops at Merrick Park


With more than 740,000 square feet of retail space, Shops at Merrick Park is large enough to house such venues as The Landmark at Merrick Park — a seven-screen luxury theater with surround sound, reserved leather seating, and a full bar menu — and a 40,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Club equipped with a pool, full-service spa, and a kids club.

Earlier this summer, Miami Royal Ballet & Dance School opened its doors, bringing even more value to this family-oriented community while introducing a whole new generation to the Shops at Merrick Park. Led by Lourdes Arteaga, a former prima ballerina in Argentina and Chile, the school helps aspiring young ballet dancers achieve their personal best through expert training and a sound understanding of the fundamentals of classical ballet.

Shops at Merrick Park hosts multiple events throughout the year, but the most popular is its annual tree lighting ceremony held in November. Every year, more than 3,000 visitors come to enjoy an evening performance by local artists and students from local schools, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus, who is transported by the Coral Gables Fire Department to light up the Christmas tree. An annual tradition for 20 years, this event truly brings the entire community together to celebrate the season.

“There is nothing quite like Shops at Merrick Park in the area,” Limontes concludes. “The Mediterranean park-like feel with lush landscaping provides for a relaxing shopping experience that people love. But ultimately, what makes Shops at Merrick Park so special are the strong ties we have to the entire Coral Gables community. They are incredibly loyal to our local businesses, and that continues to be the main driver for our success.”

  • 6 Sports & Fitness
  • 10 Restaurants & Cafés
  • 3 Salons & Spas
  • 2 Entertainment Venues
  • 3 Professional Services

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