Erika Spence: Business in the Park

The weather is finally turning cooler, which can mean only one thing: Fall has finally arrived in Florida. Yes, the calendar told us that the seasons changed back in September and boots, sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything hit store shelves. Now we can finally get outside and enjoy the season that is upon us and explore many of the local gems that make our community so exceptional.

At the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, our eyes are on Small Business Saturday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the largest retail shopping days of the year. This year, on Nov. 26, you can join millions of shoppers on main streets across the country supporting locally owned small businesses on Small Business Saturday. Before then, we hope you’ll embrace the #ShopSmall season with several fun events and make a plan to visit some of our new, local businesses soon.

First, join us for Harriett’s Fashion on the Avenue, Nov. 1 to 5. This local celebration of fashion and design on Park Avenue features over 50 trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, special events and sales. This all-access pass to fall and holiday fashion showcases the heart of our downtown business district with 21 merchants participating. The series of events culminates with Fashion Night Out and Fashion at the Alfond, both on Nov. 5. Enjoy a night out with your girlfriends to experience fashion in participating boutiques from 5 to 9 p.m. We’ll have food, drinks, models, makeup, styling events, and a fabulous swag bag. Later, from 9 p.m. to midnight, we’ll showcase emerging designers at The Alfond Inn, along with music, dancing, lite bites and drinks. A complete schedule of events and tickets are available at winterpark.org.

Then, join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association for Sip, Stroll and #ShopSmall, a special edition of the popular Sip, Shop & Stroll series on Nov. 17. Attendees can explore merchants in downtown and enjoy appetizer and beverage pairings along the way. Admission includes a wine glass, lanyard and #ShopSmall tote with swag and shopping discounts from participating merchants.

Local at Lakeside

Looking to check out some new, local businesses this season? Lakeside Crossing is bustling with new members of our business community and your local Chamber of Commerce. We’re excited to welcome Chuy’s, Cyclebar, Feathers ‘n Fringe, Fitlife Foods, Sage Dental and Spavia Day Spa to Winter Park. Looking for more ideas to shop local? Visit winterpark.org and click our online Membership Directory. Your support of local, small businesses helps create jobs, power the economy and invigorate our community.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and a proud Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion.