Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday blowout sales are a difficult match for locally-owned retailers. But supporting Sarasota small businesses doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Even shifting a tiny percentage of your holiday shopping from big-box stores to mom-and-pop shops can have a big impact.
It’s no surprise that the best way to support small businesses is to buy their goods and services. But you don’t always have to spend cash in order to show your support for Sarasota small businesses. Here’s how you can help the hardworking members of your community to shop locally.
Think Local First
When writing out your holiday gift list or meal planning, try to think local first. Your money does much more for your community when you buy locally. Rather than when you shop at national chains. Three times more money returns to the local economy when you shop locally while eating at locally-owned restaurants brings in two times more money. Not to mention, this is a super way to support Sarasota small businesses this holiday season.
Spread The Word
Don’t just shop local—spread the word about how to support Sarasota small businesses this holiday season with your family and friends. Word-of-mouth is still the best form of marketing!
Engage with Small Businesses on Social Media
Each time you post about Sarasota small businesses or share its posts, you’re helping to bolster its social media presence, which can lead to more followers, likes, shares, and—most important—sales for that company. These days, there’s very little organic growth on Facebook. Small businesses often have to buy your engagement, and money’s been really tight (especially for Sarasota small businesses) during the pandemic.”
Attend Events Hosted in Your Neighborhood
Farmers’ markets, street fairs, and fundraising events all offer the opportunity to connect with local vendors and learn more about the businesses in your area. Many businesses also hold events of their own. For instance, the Sarasota Farmer’s Market is an excellent spot to enjoy and support Sarasota small Businesses this holiday season
Review Your Experience
Give local businesses a shout-out! These days, they really need it. Many businesses are still playing catch up because of the pandemic. Your reviews are so important! Please consider writing positive reviews when they’ve received excellent service.
I hope this information will inspire you to support Sarasota small Businesses this holiday season! Here are a few of our favorites:
Elysian Fields
“An incredibly peaceful atmosphere and beautiful visual merchandising are the hallmarks of Elysian Fields. Every item is hand-selected, from each book and greeting card to jewelry, crystals & stones, clothing, personal care products, music, and unique home accessories including Japanese tableware, lamps, candles, statuary, and incense.
Since opening its doors in 1991, Elysian Fields has been winning awards and delighting visitors year after year. It really is more than a store – it is Sarasota’s Favorite Destination for Inspiration!”
Coffrin Jewelry
Coffrin Jewelers has teamed up with Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Unit and Breast Cancer Health Center to “Shine a Little Light”
Coffrin Jewelers is proud to support Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and to Shine a Little Light on Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Unit and Breast Health Center. SMH has been caring for the community since 1925 and as your community jeweler, we want to give back. So for the Annual Coffrin Jewelers customer appreciation party, we are teaming up with our neighbor Serving Spoon in hopes of a very successful event. We will have a prize drawing for a Rolex Watch & Diamond Sapphire Pendant.
We will host a `Putt-Putt Golf Tournament for those who would like to participate and support SMHF. We will have chances available for purchase which will give you the opportunity to putt to win a Rolex Watch at Serving Spoon and/or a Diamond Sapphire Pendant at Coffrin Jewelers. The initial round of putt putt for the Rolex Watch will be held at Serving Spoon with the final playoffs held at Coffrin Jewelers. At 8 pm Coffrin Jewelers will be hosting both Rolex & Pendant putt putt playoffs to see who our winners are!
Party Details
Coffrin Jewelers / Serving Spoon :
December 9th, 2021
4pm to 9pm
Free Valet Parking
Food and drinks
We will have a tent out to join Coffrin Jewelers & Serving Spoon together for rain and social distancing purposes if you choose!
More about the items you could win!
Coffrin Jewelers owner’s personal Rolex “Oyster Perpetual Two Tone DateJust (Valued at $6,500.00). Comes with service and Coffrin Jewelers statement of value.
Jyes Jewelry of California was gracious enough to donate this Diamond & Sapphire pendant with .39 carats of sapphires and .09 carat of diamonds (Valued at $2,300.00). Comes with Coffrin Jewelers statement of value.
Chances are $20 for 1 opportunity to putt or $100 for 6 putts.
People in playoffs get one buyback for $100 for 1 putt (no entries after 8pm)
The minimum suggested donation is $20 each or 6 for $100. a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free
(800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. The healthcare foundation will use the funds for the stated purpose but reserves the right to use the gift in a manner consistent with its charitable purpose if the stated purpose is impossible or impractical to achieve.
Morton’s Gourmet Market
Morton’s Gourmet Market is Sarasota’s premier full-service specialty food store that offers a wide variety of products and services including: a bakery & coffee shop, prime meats & seafood, and of course a wide selection of wine. You can find all of your holiday entertaining needs at Morton’s!
Gilly Girls
A pop-up gift boutique in Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch. We specialize in gifts for the home, jewelry, clothing, and much more. We also cater to the needs of redesign and staging for the sale of homes.
Perq
Espresso, specialty coffee & light bites offered in a modern space with industrial & retro decor.
