Aiming for Excellence: Coles Gun Shop Hits the Mark
In a harmonious blend of legacy and innovation, Coles Gun Shop in Clearwater has added another feather to its cap by securing the 2023 Best of Florida Award. This accolade celebrates the relentless spirit and commitment of the most remarkable businesses in the state, as hosted by GuidetoFlorida.com. The award, a testament to the unwavering support of their community, was earned through the heartfelt votes of their dedicated customers.
Coles Gun Shop has been a beacon of craftsmanship and community connection for decades. Serving the Tampa Bay area, the shop has evolved into a trusted retail brand for both collectors and first-time buyers alike. The shop’s extensive 5,000 square-foot showroom was relocated and renovated by the current owner Barbara Vassiliadis in October 2022. The relocation has fostered a unique boutique shopping experience that has been inviting to the newest shopper as well as to the most seasoned shooter and has been a hit ever since.
Every inch of the space echoes the dedication to quality and the continuous evolution that the shop embodies. The shop's product line includes all the major firearm manufacturers and features the Glock Blue Label Program for qualified purchasers and is also a Class 3 Dealer. The shop supports law enforcement agencies and military and offers discounts where firearm programs don’t apply. As the oldest gun shop in Pinellas County, they are dedicated to serving those who protect and serve.
The story of Coles Gun Shop is one of passion and perseverance. Founded by the late Tiny “Taso” Vassiliadis, the shop grew and thrived under his care until his untimely passing from colon cancer in 2018. The reins were then handed over to his wife, Barbara, who stepped up to continue his legacy, ensuring that Taso’s love for the craft and the community lived on. "Being just the second owner of the business in its nearly 50-year history, we are immensely proud to carry on a tradition of treating each of our customers as if we’ve known them forever," Barbara reflects.
Barbara’s vision of creating a Coles 2.0 has become a reality, with the shop not just resting on its laurels but passionately expanding their product lines and custom services. "It's a privilege to serve Clearwater and its surrounding communities, and our clients who count on us most. Every person who walks in our doors is one more customer we want to be a loyalist of the experience they had with us," Vassiliadis says. The recognition from the Best of Florida Awards highlights the shop’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding reputation and serving its community with excellence.
Here’s to Coles Gun Shop – a symbol of passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, always aiming for the extraordinary.
Website: colesgunshop.com
Contact: 727-447-0507 or 727-447-5450
Location: 1848 N. Highland Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755
