Black Friday | Steals and deals are to be had at retailers both local and national

If you’re not too busy sleeping off a hefty Thanksgiving meal or catching the plethora of sports options this week, steals and deals are to be had at retailers both local and national.

Yes, the Black Friday shopping holiday, which seems to expand from just one day each year, is set for this Friday, with Small Business Saturday to follow.

According to date from the National Retail Federation, a projected 182 million people are expected to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday this year. That number is 15.7 million more than last year, and the highest estimate since the NRF began tracking this data in 2017.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend marks some of the busiest shopping days of the year, as consumers enjoy the tradition of shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, in a release. “Retailers have been preparing for months for this occasion. They are stocked and ready to help customers find the gifts and other items they want at great prices during the entire holiday season.”

According to the survey conducted by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, 74% of holiday shoppers plan to make a purchase over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of 69% pre-pandemic in 2019.

Data from the NRF shows Black Friday is still the top day to shop, with Cyber Monday ranking second. NRF officials said people shop during the holiday weekend to get a head start on finding the right gift.

“Early shopping is a trend we have been tracking for several years, and this year, there is evidence the deals and promotions from October resonated with consumers,” said Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist, in a release. “More than 40% of shoppers say they took advantage of retailers’ October sales to shop specifically for holiday gifts, decor and other seasonal items.”

It terms of total dollars projected to be spent, the NRF stated earlier this month that holiday spending is expected to hit record levels during November and December, totaling $957.3 billion to $966.6 billion.

Readers of The Breeze may notice the paper is a bit thicker this week, as the community paper offered partners a special rate to run new or larger ads in the Black Friday edition, resulting in the paper being about 33% larger.

“A portion of the proceeds from the advertising promotion will be donated to a local food pantry,” Breeze Newspapers Publisher Ray Eckenrode said.

For the numerous locally-owned and operated businesses in Cape Coral, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are great opportunities for residents to check out and support owners who live and play in the Cape.

Lots of small businesses in the South Cape will be participating in the holiday event, offering discounts and deals for the day or weekend.

South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association spokesperson Shannon Quinn said the organization hopes residents will get out to support their neighbors.

“SCHEA is excited for Small Business Saturday because it promotes growth in the South Cape community,” Quinn said. “By shopping local, you’re helping family business owners generate additional revenue which provides jobs and other financial benefits for the South Cape community.”

Denise Ahlstrom, owner of Karma and Coconuts along Southeast 47th Terrace, is one of many local business that will offer deals this weekend.

The unique art and gift boutique that just turned 10 is home to the treasures of more than 60 local artists, and offers a wide selection of crystals and minerals.

Known for their $5 bracelets, those who check out Karma and Coconuts will not only find discounts, but have the opportunity to take classes with artists at the on-site studio five days-per-week.

This Saturday, the shop will have extended hours until 4 p.m., where the classroom will be transformed into a Christmas market with $5 items for adults and children alike.

“And we’ll definitely be having a big sale on Saturday,” Ahlstrom said.

While it will be up to each individual artist on the discount they provide, Ahlstrom said the majority or the store will be 10% off, with some items up to 50% off.

With a tough few years for Southwest Florida businesses due to the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, shopping “small” is a way to give back and help support the community in which you live.

“All of our artists live her year-round, full time,” Ahlstrom said. “It’s directly supporting your neighbors.”

Co-owner of The Looke Champagne Boutique, Stacy Gervais, is welcoming customers to “have a drink, buy a dress” this holiday weekend and beyond.

Located in the Marina Village Shops at Tarpon Point, the small business that is home to dresses, tops, pants, shoes, accessories and handbags, is offering patrons a free $20 gift card to neighboring business, Eva by the Sea boutique, with the purchase of a $200 gift card. Eva by the Sea is also offering the same discount, with patrons getting a $20 gift card to The Looke with a $200 gift card purchase.

Following Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, while supplies last, The Looke is offering a free champagne-topper gift set with any gift card purchase.

On shopping small, Gervais, who owns the business with her sister Muffy Ellis said, “Usually with small business, it’s a family thing. You’re dealing with the owner of the store. You’re dealing with people who have a vested interest in exactly what you purchase and your happiness with that product. The big companies aren’t going to notice if you buy some big item, but if you a big item from a small business, you may change their entire season. And what a wonderful thing to be able to say, that you helped keep small business going, and that certainly means so much to all of us.”

Nationally, the message from the Small Business Administration is one of encouragement to shop, dine, and entertain at local small businesses on Nov. 25.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods, powering local economies and strengthening communities,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman in a release. “The SBA encourages everyone to be a part of the nationwide movement that spotlights our small business owners, drives holiday shopping locally, and celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship. Together, we can make a difference for the vital small businesses that make our neighborhoods thrive.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the SBA since 2011.

According to American Express, the projected total reported spending among U.S. consumers on Small Business Saturday last year hit a record high with an estimated $17.9 billion, and that 72% of shoppers “strongly agree” they will continue to shop small throughout the holiday season because of the impact it has on their local community.

As for which national retailers will have the best deals this holiday weekend, data according to WalletHub JC Penney, Macy’s, Belk, Kohl’s, and Target round out the top-five in terms of average percent discount.