Let's Go Shopping for Otaku Stuff

As a Tampa native who grew up watching Battle of the Planets in 1978 and Star Blazers the following year, there was not a lot of luck tracking down Anime goods. Across from Plant High School just past the Steak N Shake there used to be a store called Merlin's that sold import magazines and I bought random issues only because Ultraman was on the cover. If you blinked you missed Merlin's in South Tampa because they moved near USF on Fowler and now they are closed.

Also worth mentioning is that in the late 80's I used to ride with a friend to a store called Camelot in Largo to watch my friend pay $40 for two episodes of Robotech. So as you can see not a lot to offer fans of the 80's.

Now in the 21st Century Anime fandom has grown so rapidly that brick and mortar retailers are around. With Suncoast Video long gone, these new stores are better than what I had back in the day.

If you live in Brandon stop by Cafe Anime Tampa and see this unique blend of Anime, manga, and food. I was there for the grand opening and saw cosplay goods, T shirts, DVD/Blu-rays and tons of figures. Be sure to get some Japanese snacks. Cafe Anime Tampa is located at
137 W. Windhorst
Brandon, FL 33510
Check them out here:
https://www.cafeanimetampa.com/

Another cool store and in the extreme opposite direction is Anime Fix. The owner is a friendly talkative guy who frequently visits Tokyo to pick up stuff at Akihabara. So you don't have to fly all the way to Japan. He has a lot of cool merch. My favorite thing is the used DVD/Blu-ray section where I got an old out-of-print DVD of Golgo 13. There is even a comfy chair to sit in near the cash register so you can chat with the owner as he tells you his Tokyo travel tales.
Anime Fix is on Central towards St Pete Beach.
Anime Fix
6185 Central Ave
St Pete, FL 33710
Click below for more.
http://animefix.com/

For manga readers on a budget check out this cool indies bookstore that makes Barnes and Noble fall to its knees. Wilson's Book World has a small but unique selection of cheap used manga. Also there are tons of Sci-Fi and Fantasy books to keep everyone happy until Game of Thrones Season 8 finally starts.
Wilson's Book World
535 16th St N
St Pete, FL 33705
See more here
http://www.wilsonsbookworld.com/

Now they are numerous comic book and gaming stores that I am not going to list because the anime merch is too small or limited. These are my top three recommends.

One of my favorite ways to kill a Saturday is my St Pete Trek from grabbing lunch at 4th St Shrimp Store then hitting Wilson's and on to Anime Fix. Finally ending at the gigantic MD Oriental Market for the whole aisle of Japanese snacks and candy. Be sure to try the toilet candy.