"A gargantuan cartoon octopus entwines the entrance to a souvenir and gift store," the Roadside America says.

"The World's Largest Purple Octopus (with white polka dots and a big smile). Well, maybe in Alabama, but probably the whole planet. This is right next door the shark that you walk through. It's located between 2nd and 3rd Ave and Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores Al on the west side of the road.

"The purple octopus welcomes tourists to a store at Souvenir City in Gulf Shores."

"TBT World's Largest Purple Octopus

"From what we have read it may be The World's Largest Purple Octopus (with white polka dots and a big smile). Well, maybe in Alabama, but probably the whole planet. This is right next door the shark that you walk through. It's located between 2nd and 3rd Ave and Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores Al on the west side of the road," the Gulf Shores Museum says.

"Purple Octopus is classified under gift novelty & souvenir stores and has been in business for 10 or more years. Paul Ronan is the Owner."

"A Giant Spotted Purple Octopus, sits atop the entrance to Gulf Shores Souvenir's, Gift & T-shirt store.

"Ginormous Purple spotted Octopus sits over the Souvenir store entrance, you enter the store between two of its tentacles.

"Located in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA," the Waymarking says.

"A giant purple octopus with white polka dots promotes The Purple Octopus souvenir shop in Gulf Shores," the AL.com says.

"It is unofficially the "world's largest" and not certified. The claim, however, has apparently not been challenged." (Until today - Editor's note)

"One store in this Gulf Coast beach town has a giant, purple octopus draped across its roof, and the main entrance at another resembles the toothy mouth of a giant shark that customers can walk through," the AP says.

"But plans to install a realistic, 27-foot-long shark replica outside another store in an area that’s being spruced up for redevelopment are stirring debate, with some wondering whether such a display just steps away from the surf would be too scary.

"But commission member Jennifer Guthrie said she enjoys bringing her children to see the purple octopus atop Gulf Shores Souvenir & Gifts and the Souvenir City shark, calling both displays “charming.”

"This gift shop is always on our list of things to do when we visit Gulf Shores. It's full of all kinds of treasures that make it a fun place to explore. We've never left empty handed!"

"They do have a large selection of overly priced souvenirs and knick knacks."

"Very expensive with not many sales like the other shops. They have preserved baby sharks in blue water in jars that was disconcerting. But lots of clothing to choose from."