Small Business Saturday 2023

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
ALL-DAY
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN / CITYWIDE

Celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 25 by supporting the independent mom and pop shops that make Winter Garden so special! Small Business Saturday falls on the long, Thanksgiving weekend – perfect timing for holiday shopping while loving local! 

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

The mom-and-pop shops in historic downtown make this a must-stop to observe the national holiday! A plethora of locally owned retail shops lines the charming streets offering unique finds. What’s more, downtown is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive decorations throughout (providing a great backdrop to take those annual holiday card photos!).

Downtown boasts a variety of unique shops to find those one-of-a kind special gifts! Shops feature apparel, accessories, jewelry, home décor and greenery, cycling/running/sporting equipment, gourmet foods, health and beauty products, pet supplies, furniture, party-hosting supplies, seasonal merchandise, and much more. 

When needing a shopping break, the variety of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, ice cream parlors, and chocolate shops provide the perfect pick-me-up. Take a seat at the expanded outdoor dining patios throughout downtown amidst the charm. Many eateries offer seasonal menu items and specials.

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET

Come early and expand your support of shopping local to the vendors at the Winter Garden Farmers Market. The 100+ vendors offer freshly harvested fall produce, seasonal décor, gift items, prepared foods, artisan creations, and more. The Farmers Market is held every Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the Downtown Pavilion, 104. S. Lakeview Ave.

FREE PARKING – Always!

Convenient parking is always free throughout Downtown Winter Garden, including at its three-level parking garage (160 S. Boyd St.) and 117-space parking lot (37 N. Boyd St.).

MORE LOVE LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING FUN TO COME DOWNTOWN

Mark your calendars for the outdoor HOLIDAY MARKET DOWNTOWN on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1:00 – 4:00 PM! Wander freely through the pedestrian-only streets of downtown aligned with market booths to shop for holiday gifts, décor, sweets and treats, and more amidst a winter wonderland. (West Plant Street and adjoining side streets will be closed for the Holiday Market to allow for convenient and safe strolling and shopping.)

WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY?

Small Business Saturday takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages shoppers to “shop small” by supporting local, independently owned businesses. It started as a campaign by American Express in 2010 to remind shoppers to support the smaller, lesser-known businesses in your local community; and in 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to support the day. The impact of Small Business Saturday not only helps small business owners but also supports local communities.

10 REASONS WHY TO SHOP LOCAL ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – AND ALL YEAR LONG

More than 2,000 independently owned businesses call Winter Garden home and help make our community unique. Please support them on Small Business Saturday, during the holiday shopping season, as well as all year.

1. KEEPS MONEY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community.* Shopping local keeps the most money in the area allowing your spending dollars to strengthen the local economy.

2. PRESERVES OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUENESS

Winter Garden’s one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our community. This uniqueness is what attracts residents and visitors that benefits everyone.

3. CREATES LOCAL JOBS

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally.

4. REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Local businesses can often make purchases locally, which requires less transportation for goods, reducing costs and pollution.

5. SUPPORTS COMMUNITY CHARITIES

Non-profit organization receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

6. PUTS YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. 

7. PROVIDES BETTER CHOICES TO BUY WHAT YOU WANT

Different types of shops means a broader range of products for the customer to choose from, providing choices that are more relevant to local tastes and needs.

8. YOU GET EXPERT SERVICE

Employees of local businesses have a solid understanding of the products they are selling and take time to get to know and serve customers. 

9. ENCOURAGES ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Studies show that entrepreneurs are more likely to settle in communities that take pride and preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique character. The success of locally owned independent businesses provide examples to others to pursue creativity and entrepreneurship, which fuel America’s economic innovation and prosperity.

10. INVESTS IN COMMUNITY

Local business owners live here; work here; invest their time, energy, and dollars into the community and care about its future.

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics. Reprinted with permission from Independent We Stand: /www.independentwestand.org/what-happens-when-you-shop-local.

WARNING of Fraudulent Online Solicitation: Please note that the City of Winter Garden is NOT soliciting outside vendors for this event. If you receive correspondence by either a third-party company or the likeness of the City of Winter Garden via email or social media about vending at a city event, it is fraudulent solicitation and do NOT engage in providing information or any form of payment.