Tis the Holiday Shopping Season

Would you agree that this holiday season seems different from the past? Did you notice that many national retailers were closed for Thanksgiving? Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Simon Malls and countless others did not open. In recent years, retailers started opening earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving, trying to get that jump on Black Friday sales, to the point that it was like any other business day. I remember as a kid, celebrating the Turkey Day holiday then getting up early on Black Friday to get out to the stores to take advantage of the sales. Then people started camping out for the best deals, sometimes even days before black Friday, saving their place in line with tents, sleeping bags and lawn chairs, so they could be one of the first to get that special pricing or item. Do you recall the mobs of shoppers storming into the stores as the doors opened, where some shoppers would even fight others to get the last sale item?

Well, I welcome this change of stores being closed for the holidays. I believe the holidays should be celebrated with family, friends and loved ones. COVID has changed the landscape for many businesses, people are avoiding large crowds, employees have learned about quality of life finding alternative careers, and companies are experiencing supply issues. Many of these retailers closed for Thanksgiving due to the shortage of staff, at the same time it has allowed employees to have time off to spend with their families. Consumers buying habits have also been changing over the past few years. Amazon and online shopping have really come to the forefront, especially when many of us were staying and working from home due to COVID, it was convenient and easy. Retailers also started offering Black Friday sales earlier in the season, not having to rely on the one day or weekend of sales to make their quotas.

What about the small business owners? According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy as of August 31, 2021, there are 32.5 million small businesses employing 46.8% of the private workforce. Our local mom and pop restaurants, coffee shops, general stores, etc., who pour their blood, sweat and tears into every part of their business need our support and patronage, now more than ever. New opportunities are opening all over Orlando, especially in Avalon Park with the new Marketplace opening. You can dine on unique food options, enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee or brewed beer while checking out the quaint general store who offers unique and locally sourced items. Small businesses make up most of our economy and now with limited supply, you may just find that interesting locally sourced gift for the holidays. So, get out and shop at a small business.

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce is a champion for our members and work diligently to assist our area businesses to thrive. We are an advocate for commerce, offer opportunities to gain more exposure and connect with the community. The Chamber has established the East Orlando Chamber Foundation to financially support small businesses through micro-grant programs. If you are a small business owner or a supporter of entrepreneurs, we are assembling the Board of Directors to lead this endeavor. Contact the Chamber at 407-277-5951 or EOCC@eocc.org for more details.

For 75 years we have supported our business members and communities in East Orange County providing a voice, opening doors for success, connecting members with opportunities, educational business development, and building professional relationships. Our members support our mission to advocate and help sustain a robust economy, fostering companies with employment opportunities and merchants who provide the goods and services our community needs. Additional information is available at EOCC.org.