Impact
Five ways to shop local for Small Business Saturday
If you’re searching for a way to give back to your community, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness.
This week, we’re sharing a special edition for Small Business Saturday. Celebrated each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for communities to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen their economies. Below are five effective ways to shop local this Small Business Saturday in and around St. Petersburg, ensuring that your holiday shopping supports the very fabric of our community.
Shopapalooza 2024
In St. Pete, Small Business Saturday is marked by the Shopapalooza Festival at Vinoy Park, which showcases over 350 local vendors, artists and food providers. This event not only highlights the creativity and diversity of small businesses in the area but also fosters community spirit through family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Shopapalooza runs today and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free..
.
.
Shop on Central Ave.
Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining and entertainment, showcasing a diverse array of local businesses that embody the spirit of the community.
Start at the 600 block and venture west for a wide array of men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry and home stores, art galleries and much more.
Photo: Visit St. Pete Clearwater.
Venture through the EDGE District
Make sure to check out the EDGE (entertainment, dining, galleries & shops, etcetera) District. Bounded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, 16th Street and First Avenues North and South, this area has evolved into a vibrant community filled with over 130 businesses, many locally-owned.
Central Ave. runs through the heart of the EDGE District, with notable spots including Ashe Couture Boutique, Poppo’s Taqueria, and Matter of Fact: A Curated Men’s Shop, all of which contribute to the district’s reputation as a shopping destination. The Crislip Arcade, built in the 1920s and revitalized in recent years, houses galleries and boutiques.
Upscale gifts on Beach Drive
Known for its blend of upscale boutiques and unique shops, Beach Drive is a popular shopping destination for the high-end gift giver.
The vast majority of the shops on Beach Drive and its surrounding streets are locally owned, like Coastal Soul Boutique, Pink Soleil, EnnYe and Bernie’s & Son Jewelers. Sartorial is another locally-owned shop, specializing in men’s formal and casual clothing.
.
Stop by Gulfport
Just southwest of St. Pete lies Gulfport, the small coastal town filled with a mix of local boutiques, antique shops and vibrant markets and art galleries. Gulfport is a great stop to shop for the “artsy” person in your life, who prefers a handcrafted treasure over designer accessories.
The Village Courtyard at 2902 Beach Blvd. S. features a variety of independent businesses, including shops and restaurants. Another local staple is Botiki, a women’s fashion boutique that’s been run by Gulfport resident Maddy Guenther for over 16 years..
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
.
