Sarasota’s UTC District Sees Major Growth with CITY Furniture

Sarasota’s University Town Center (UTC) district is in the midst of a dynamic growth surge, welcoming new flagship retailers, high-profile attractions, and lifestyle destinations that are transforming the area into one of Florida’s premier shopping and leisure hubs.

CITY Furniture: A Landmark Addition

On July 17, 2025, CITY Furniture officially celebrated the grand opening of its massive 120,000-square-foot showroom at UTC. Following a soft opening in late June, the event marked the furniture giant’s debut in the Sarasota market and a significant milestone in its expansion into the Tampa Bay region. The multi-level showroom offers a curated blend of contemporary, coastal, and classic designs, plus interactive displays and in-store services aimed at enhancing the home shopping experience.

CITY Furniture executives say the Sarasota store is positioned as a regional draw, serving customers from Lakewood Ranch to Bradenton and beyond. The location also reinforces UTC’s role as a go-to destination for both everyday shopping and high-ticket lifestyle purchases.

L.L. Bean Brings a First to Florida

Just weeks before CITY Furniture’s opening, L.L. Bean made its own splash at UTC with the launch of its first Florida store — and its first in the entire Southeast. Known for its outdoor gear, apparel, and adventure-ready accessories, L.L. Bean’s arrival broadens UTC’s retail mix and taps into the Gulf Coast’s active lifestyle community.

Tesla, Mote Aquarium, and the Momentum at UTC

CITY Furniture and L.L. Bean join a roster of recent and upcoming UTC highlights:

• Tesla established its Sarasota showroom and delivery center at UTC, giving electric vehicle enthusiasts a sleek, high-tech anchor for test drives, orders, and service.
• The Mote Science Education Aquarium is set to open in early 2026, adding a world-class marine research and visitor attraction just steps from the shopping district. With interactive exhibits, cutting-edge research programs, and a striking new building, Mote is expected to draw tourists and locals alike.

These developments represent a coordinated wave of investment that blends retail, dining, entertainment, and science in one highly walkable district.

A Destination on the Rise

For Sarasota, the recent growth at UTC underscores a larger trend: national and regional brands are increasingly choosing this location as their Gulf Coast flagship. The combination of prime interstate access, a strong year-round customer base, and a reputation for premium retail is attracting a caliber of tenant that rivals major metro markets.

With CITY Furniture now open, L.L. Bean making history in the state, Tesla providing a tech-forward automotive option, and Mote Aquarium preparing to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates, UTC’s transformation is far from over. The district is rapidly becoming more than a mall — it’s evolving into a multi-faceted destination that reflects Sarasota’s lifestyle, innovation, and growth.