Tampa Area Named Among The Best For Retail Therapy

Maybe it's not scientifically proven, but it's no surprise that shopping can simply make you feel better. You browse online or pop into your favorite store, and there's a distraction element that soothes the soul. In fact, StorageCafé recently released a report that details the best cities across the country for retail therapy, and Tampa ranked among the top ten.

"Often at the crossroads between being considered therapy or necessity, shopping remains a favorite pastime for millions of Americans who turn to shopping to relieve stress and uplift their spirits," StorageCafé says. They go on to point out that part of the appeal to retail therapy is the instant gratification.

There are numerous options consumers have to shop these days, literally at their fingertips. StorageCafé researched what is going on here. In addition, they examined the primary spending interests of today's generations. Areas such as number of retail establishments and employees per 1,000 residents, and retail square footage per capita were considered. Then, that was compared to the income and spending habits within the major metros across the country. As a result, an official list of best cities to get your retail therapy on was compiled.

What you will find here is that Florida bookends the top ten.

It's hard to argue with the greater Miami region being number one. However, perhaps the ability to hit an outdoor shopping center in sunny Florida contributed to the joy. We are the only state to have two entries among the top ten.

"The area boasts more than 3.4K retail establishments and approximately 54K people employed in the retail sector, ensuring local shoppers have a positive experience during their retail therapy sessions," StorageCafé found specifically to shopping around Tampa. Furthermore, they say 13% of residents income goes towards retail annually. Whether it's creative outlets in Ybor City, or upscale shopping in Hyde Park Village, Tampa seems to have it all when it comes to scratching your retail therapy itch.

Who doesn't love getting free stuff on their birthday? Seriously, one of the best things about getting older is just getting those fun birthday freebees. My birthdays is quite a ways away, as it's in August, but I might as well prep for it early. The problem is that I never remember until the day of my birthday what stores and restaurants offer free stuff on birthdays, and by then, it's often too late. So, you're best to plan early, if you want to snag those Florida birthday freebies.

With that in mind, this year, I set out to find the best Florida birthday freebies months before my big day. Let's just say I was determined to get a head start. As it turns out, a large number of spots offer great birthday freebies and gifts.

I'm looking through some of these food freebies, and after seeing these, I think I'm going to be very full on my birthday. Both Denny's and IHOP offer free breakfast deals for your birthday. Those restaurants are national, so even if you're traveling on your birthday, you can get some free or discounted grub. Maybe I'll hit up both spots on my birthday and really stuff myself with pancakes. I also like getting free stuff, not just food, on my birthday. Makeup stores such as Ulta and Sephora offer special birthdays gifts for rewards members. You'll find plenty of free dessert deals on this list, as well. I'm all about dessert, free or not, but free is always better. It's worth noting that some of these programs require you to sign up in advance of your birthday, so hop on them quickly.

Read on for birthday freebies available in Florida for your big day, and whenever your big day falls, happy birthday. Many of these deals do have an expiration date after your birthday passes, so look into that. Also, these deals change often, so don't be surprised it this list varies a bit.

Who doesn't love free ice cream? It's the perfect birthday treat. At Baskin Robbins, get a free scoop of ice cream when you join the Birthday Club.

https://www.baskinrobbins.com/en/sign-up

If you have a MyPanera card, Panera Bread will give you birthday rewards, and the special birthday surprise offer gives you 60 days to enjoy your birthday treat. I personally love their brownies and usually use my birthday rewards on that. It's even better than birthday cake.

https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html

Chili's is known for their Baby Back Ribs. But, they also have great treats. Sign up for their special club, and you'll get a free birthday treat on your big day.

https://chilisemailclub.com/

At Jersey Mikes, get a free sub with a MyMikes membership on your birthday. This, I think, is one of the best birthday deals around. I always help my dad use the app to get this one on his birthday.

https://www.jerseymikes.com/account

If you give your email address when signing up for a Victoria's Secret or PINK credit card, you'll receive a $10 or $15 birthday reward. But, cardholders must have made a minimum purchase within the last 12 months to be eligible for the special birthday reward. I don't have a Victoria's Secret credit card, but I'm on their email and member list, and I still get a bonus for my birthday, so that might work, too.

https://www.victoriassecret.com/

Dunkin Donuts is known for its donuts, but they also have great coffee and beverages. At Dunkin Donuts, if you're a DD Perks member, you'll get a free beverage on your birthday.

https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/dd-perks

Denny's is legendary for their Grand Slam breakfast. It's got everything. At Denny’s, get a free grand slam breakfast on your birthday when you join Denny’s Rewards.

https://www.dennys.com/account/signup

When it comes to pancakes, nobody does it like IHOP. I tried their protein pancakes recently and really loved them. At IHOP, snag a free stack of pancakes on your birthday with a MyHOP account.

https://www.ihop.com/en/rewards

Donuts, anyone? Yes, please. At Krispy Kreme, you get a free donut and coffee on your birthday with a Krispy Kreme Rewards membership. I'd get one with birthday sprinkles, because it's your birthday.

https://www.krispykreme.com/more-smiles/rewards

At Target, you'll get a birthday coupon for 5% off your purchase when you sign up for Target Circle rewards. How nice is that? The coupon is good for 30 days.

https://www.target.com/

Say you like to live on the edge? Then the Hot Topic birthday gift is for you. Get a $5 reward for your birthday when you sign up for Hot Topic Rewards.

https://www.hottopic.com/

It's always Blizzard time, even when it's cold outside. When you sign up for the Dairy Queen rewards program, you'll get a buy one, get one free Blizzard Treat coupon. You'll also get one one on your birthday. You'll also get a discount on a Blizzard or DQ Cake on your birthday.

https://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Blizzard-Fan-Club/

Buffalo Wild Wings makes for a great spot to watch a big game, but you can also get a cool birthday reward there. BW3 gives a free, annual gift to Buffalo Circle members.

https://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/buffalo-circle/

Honey Baked Ham is great on Thanksgiving or on your birthday. Sign up for their rewards program, and you'll get an additional $9 HoneyBaked Cash on your birthday with rewards and promos to come.

https://www.honeybaked.com/honey-baked-ham-rewards

If you download the My Red Lobster Rewards App, you'll start earning rewards right away. My Red Lobster Rewards members also get exclusive benefits, such as bonus points, coupons, special offers and, yes, a free birthday reward.

https://www.redlobster.com/rewards