St. Armands Circle to Celebrate Small Business Saturday

November 23, 2020 – Sarasota

November 28 is Small Business Saturday, and St. Armands Circle intends to celebrate in a big way, according to Diana M. Corrigan, executive director of its merchants association. 

“It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the customers who have stood behind our businesses in these troubling times,” she said, “while reaching out to others looking for a safe, enjoyable – and unique – shopping, dining or spa experience just a block or so off the Gulf of Mexico.”

“Unlike typical shopping complexes,” Corrigan continued, “our open-air setting enables visitors to enjoy a breath of fresh air as they immerse themselves in our exceptional array of goods, food and services in an atmosphere of casual elegance.” 

Located just five minutes across the Bay from downtown Sarasota, St. Armands has nearly 130 merchants and a wide variety of offerings, she added. 

Visitors can be sure all St. Armands merchants have instituted COVID-19-related measures, Corrigan said, and the Circle’s park-like setting with wide sidewalks contributes to social distancing. As always, she added, those not wishing to venture out yet can shop Circle merchants via the Association’s website, https://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/.

For Small Business Saturday, Circle merchants will be offering discounts, giveaways, curbside pickup and delivery, as well as virtual shopping experiences. The Association also is asking that visitors provide additional support to the small businesses they frequent by posting or liking a post, writing a review, leaving a comment on a web site or telling a friend. 

To that end, Corrigan said, there’s also a contest in which the person who tags/shares the most from their experience on the Circle will win a $300 Visa gift card. 

“It’s critical that people support, or continue to support, small businesses in our area,” Corrigan said, “especially now and not just during one event.” 

“Merchants such as ours are the lifeblood of a community and a vital part of its fabric,” she concluded. “They provide a break from the ordinary and the everyday – something I think we can all use right now.”