Best economical place to shop in the vicinity of wdw?

Are you looking for tourist type shopping or general shopping? There are loads of outlet malls on International Drive which are very popular but I really haven't seen them as being anymore of a bargain than a sale at a dept. store.

Wal mart

Target

Just like the rest of the country.

Florida Mall is OK for mall prices

Millenia mall is OK for high end stuff( some fine sparkle in Tiffany's)

Go to I-4 follow signs to Kirkman Rd (easy on easyoff) travel down Kirkman (about 6,7 miles) to Colonial drive (SR 50) You will find strip malls along the way, Metro West home development, Valencia Community College..... but turn left on Colonial (going west) Past Hiawassee, you'll find the Target, Walmart, Home Depot, library, grogery stores with NON tourist prices within three miles.
THis is the safest area for newbies to explore. Gon't turn east on Colonial unless you lock your doors and DON"T turn on Old Winter Garden Road, either. Stay off of 441 between the Florida Mall and points North ( for about 8 miles) VERY BAD for beginners.