SARASOTA (WSNN) – On Small Business Saturday, SNN’s Annette Gutierrez talks to some locals about how they’re supporting the Suncoast, while small shop owners tread water.
Suncoast residents take on the Sarasota’s Farmer’s Market to show their support to the hidden gems.
“Instead of just everybody staying in their house, letting the van deliver the next present, come out and support your local business, that’s what you’re here for; you want to go to restaurants and all that,” Sarasota Resident, Donna Averbeck said.
A proud Sarasota Resident, Donna Averbeck, says it’s about keeping families and communities together.
“Keeping it local keeps your neighbors employed,” Suncoast Florist owner, Jeff Gordon said.
One of the oldest flower shops in town has been struggling. Gordon says the business went down about 20-percent this month.
“I’ve got a staff of eight employees; we struggle to keep everyone on staff, and we’ve been fortunate to be able to do that,” Gordon said.
“During this time of year, usually we’re used to having a packed house, selling stuff Holiday shopping, so it’s been a major shift’ we’re trying to promote online as best as we can,” T. Georgiano’s Boutique owner, Tatyana Sharoubim-Stewart said.
From the election to Tropical Storm ETA to the second wave of the pandemic, Sharoubim-Stewart says November has been challenging.
“So we need customers more than ever this month and next month to get us through to kind of close out this year,” Sharoubim-Stewart said.
Understanding the struggle, Sarasota consumers say they’re ready to spend money.
“I’m a firm believer of small business,”Sarasota Resident Elizabeth Thompson said. “When you go to the bigger stores, you just don’t get the hands-on attention. And she does do the online, and curbside, and delivery. She’s got a little bit of everything.”
Many agree the market helps circulate cold hard cash.
“If you give back, they’re going to have the money to give back to others,” Sarasota Resident, Kathy Zaferatos said. “I mean it’s like a cycle. It continues. If you support one, then the other supports the next one; keeps it going.”
“They don’t have a corporate to back them up or hold their payments; we’ve got to work together,” Jerry Zaferatos said. “Small businesses are very important and that is the economy of our country; is small businesses.”
People say shopping local offers that extra Suncoast touch to their food, clothing, and artwork. Seems like there’s something for everyone on the small biz front.
