‘Season of Small Business’ – Shopping at independently-owned businesses supports local economy
South Cape businesses to hold its annual gift-or-treat event for children on Dec. 5
For the numerous locally-owned and operated businesses in Cape Coral, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday highlighted the wealth of options independent businesses offer holiday shoppers.
Lots of small businesses in the South Cape were among those offering holiday sales events.
South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association spokesperson Shannon Quinn said the organization hopes residents will support their neighbors this holiday season.
“Shopping local during the holidays is incredibly important,” she said. “Every purchase at a small business directly supports local families, boosts the local economy and helps ensure that our favorite shops, restaurants, and businesses continue to thrive. Local businesses give Cape Coral its character and holiday shopping is one of the biggest opportunities to give back to them.”
Quinn added that the South Cape a great place to do some holiday shopping, with a wide variety of offerings.
“South Cape is one of the best places for holiday shopping because it offers an unmatched variety of unique gifts and experiences all within a walkable area,” she said. “From handmade art and boutique fashion to specialty foods, custom jewelry, home décor and one-of-a-kind services, there’s truly something for everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted gifts or memorable holiday experiences, South Cape businesses offer the kind of personal touch you just can’t find at big franchise stores.”
On Dec. 6 from noon to 4 p.m., SCHEA will host its annual Business Gift-or-Treat event. SCHEA encourages parents to bring their kids to have their stockings filled with goodies at South Cape Businesses. Each business will be passing out candy, trinkets or one of the many great treats of higher value — like gift cards to local businesses. A limo bus will also transport children and families safely across Cape Coral Parkway from Big John’s Plaza to Zak’s Jewelry.
“We’re bringing back the Gift or Treat and free Santa Photo Booth because it’s a fun, festive way to kick off the holiday season while supporting the heart of Cape Coral,” Quinn said. “The event gives residents the chance to explore South Cape, discover new shops and enjoy a community celebration full of holiday spirit. By taking part, residents not only have a great time but also help strengthen the small businesses that make the city unique.”
Holiday attire, including pajamas for the kids, is encouraged, organizers said.
The official photo booth where kids can snap a picture with the Santa Claus for free is located at MM Brands (1322 Lafayette St. Unit B).
At Zak’s Jewelry in the Cape, owner Alison Polo said shopping small this holiday season is paramount to local businesses.
“Small businesses aren’t small, they are the heartbeat of our community,” she said. “In a world of mass produced everything, choosing community makes a difference that we can actually feel.”
The National Federation of Independent Business, Florida’s leading small business advocacy organization, encourages shoppers to support local small businesses.
“This holiday season, we encourage all shoppers to support their favorite small businesses and shop small on Small Business Saturday,” said Bill Herrle, NFIB Florida executive director in a statement. “Florida’s small businesses are essential to our state’s economy and local communities — shopping small allows shoppers to support their local small business while also bolstering Florida’s economy.”
Readers of The Breeze may have noticed that the Thanksgiving paper was a thicker last week, as the community paper offered partners a special rate to run new or larger ads in the Black Friday edition, which kicked off the holiday shopping season.
A portion of the proceeds from the additional ad sales will be donated to food banks in Cape Coral, Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach.
“Our readers are an audience of consumers and we’re thrilled to help so many of our local advertisers reach those consumers with this special holiday shopping promotion,” said Breeze Newspapers Publisher Ray Eckenrode. “And we’re equally thrilled to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds from these sales back into the community to help with food insecurity. This is our third year with this program and our biggest yet, which means the largest donation we’ve done, as well.”
The e-edition of the Nov. 28 edition of The Breeze may be found at https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/e-editions/2025/11/26/weekend-breeze-11-28/
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com