Panama City Beach boasts its fair share of souvenir shops, where tourists can find not only fun mementos to bring home but also, useful items that enhance vacations. Alvin’s Island is one of the most recognizable. This store makes for a charming addition to the PCB tourist experience. Browsing it can serve as an entertaining tourist activity in and of itself, although the store’s layout also makes it easy to get in and out when in a hurry.
Multiple locations exist throughout PCB, making Alvin’s moniker a familiar sight near the beach. Known as store #1, the location near the Super Lagoon Race Track offers easy access from Front Beach Road. This particular store is located near multiple restaurants, so it’s a great stop before or after a satisfying meal.
Alvin’s is impossible to miss, as its brightly-colored exterior stands out from a distance. The shop is just as cheerful on the inside, where visitors observe high ceilings and whimsical displays featuring T-shirts and other top sellers. Shoppers are welcome to try on their favorites in the dressing room. A variety of sizes and designs are available, so visitors should have no trouble finding a look they love.
Apparel represents one of the most in-demand offerings at Alvin’s, but it’s only the beginning. A variety of other ‘typical’ tourist items are also available, including beach-themed picture frames, mugs, and keychains. The store also provides all the essentials for a good time at the beach, including umbrellas, chairs, towels, and sand toys. The vast selection makes Alvin’s Island a great stop for those who realize they’ve forgotten to pack beach supplies or other vacation items.
The prices for most items are reasonable — especially as compared to other tourist-oriented shops in and around Panama City Beach. Some customers, however, complain that the low prices are evident in the quality of the apparel. Others claim that the quality varies between items — and that cheaply-made apparel can easily be detected.
While most visitors appreciate the vast selection offered at this Alvin’s location, several have expressed a desire for stronger customer service. As with apparel quality, experiences with staff members can vary. Some disappointed customers, however, claim that certain employees are reluctant to answer even basic questions about merchandise and store policies. Others appreciate that the staff members leave shoppers alone — good news for anyone who dreads being followed around by overly intrusive employees.
Those who are happy to navigate the store on their own shouldn’t expect problems from the employees. Visitors who require more extensive assistance, however, may want to shop elsewhere.
Ultimately, visits to this Alvin’s location are most enjoyable when appreciated for what they are. High expectations could lead to disappointment, but anyone who prioritizes selection and low prices will be pleased by all that Alvin’s Island has to offer.
Insider Tips:
– Don’t visit this location while wearing long sleeves or pants. Multiple visitors reference the air conditioning as a point of concern.
– Sizing can be inconsistent for the store’s vast clothing selection, so don’t assume that anything will fit based on what the tag claims. Take full advantage of the dressing rooms before making any purchases. Resist the urge to buy T-shirts as souvenirs for loved ones back home — mugs, shot glasses, and keychains are far less risky.