About Shell Bazaar

Oldest Business in Port Saint Lucie

Established in 1953 in the Southern part of St. Lucie County, by the Jean and George Williams, (before the incorporation of the City of Port St. Lucie (1961)), the tradition of offering the most unique gifts and souvenirs from Florida is being carried on by their daughter, Christine and her helpful and friendly staff. The Shell Bazaar was built upon a reputation of having some of the finest Sea Shells and Sea Life available.We have since expanded our inventory to include a wide selection that must be experienced in person.

The History

In 1953, tourists found Florida to be an ideal vacation spot, drawing people from throughout the country and particularly from the East Coast. There was very little between Fort Pierce and Stuart in those days, but travelers would be delighted and intrigued when they came upon the few businesses on US1, including the Shell Bazaar, snuggled among the woods. George and Jean Williams, the couple who started the Shell Bazaar, came from Ormond Beach to what is now Port Saint Lucie. They, in partnership with their friends who ran a successful shell store in Vero Beach, built their commercial establishment on US1, which included living quarters above where they raised their two daughters, Bonnie and Christine.

About a year later, the couple became the sole owners of the store, which offered not only "everything" shell, but an enormous replica of a conch shell out front. The shell, made from two-and-a-half tons of concrete and rebar, became a must-see attraction for tourists traveling down the East Coast. Since 1955, the shell has provided a great photo opportunity for young and old alike.

Today, daughter of George and Jean Williams, Christine owns and operates the business, which has the distinction of being the oldest retail, family-owned business in the county still operating out of its original location.