provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Last year, two Sanibel small-business owners brought the idea of a top-of-the-morning sale to the SanCap Chamber to kick off Labor Day festivities on Sanibel Island.
“It was a terrific, novel plan for driving summer season traffic to the island and giving shoppers incentive to hit small businesses for savings, free gifts, and exclusive deals,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “And it worked! People came out in their pajamas, ready for fun and a little retail therapy. Business owners were thrilled with the success.”
The shop-local initiative was so well received by residents and visitors that Josh and Audrey Stewart, co-owners of Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and A Little Adventure boutique, in partnership with the chamber, are reprising the Sanibel Island Sunrise Sale this year on Saturday, Sep. 5, from 7:09 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“My daughter and I had so much fun at the Sunrise Sale last year,” said island resident Nancy Craig. “We got there early, found some really great deals, and loved seeing so many people out enjoying the morning. There was such a fun energy all around the island. It felt like a special event, not just a shopping trip. It’s definitely worth getting up early for.”
Participating retail shops and restaurants will open precisely at sunrise to offer exclusive deals, tiered sales, up to 50 percent discounts, BOGOs, gifts with purchases, and other giveaways. In-store perks include complimentary breakfasts, mimosas, chair massages, and other incentives that make it worth losing a little sleep. This year, Sunrise Sale adds extended hours, a PJs contest, more businesses, and three grand prize drawings.
“When Audrey and I first pitched the Sanibel Sunrise Sale, we honestly weren’t sure anyone would set an alarm and wake up early for an island shopping event, but the community showed up bright and early wearing their pajamas, coffee in hand, and ready to have fun,” said Josh Stewart. “It turned into something bigger than we imagined, and to watch it come back for a second year as an actual Sanibel tradition is pretty surreal.”
Those with 10 or more stickers by 5 p.m. are eligible to enter drawings for three grand prizes, including stays at island resorts The Anchor Inn, Tarpon Tale Inn, and the Shalimar Beach Resort, along with valuable gift certificates from various businesses like The Moke and Cabana Club and Adventures in Paradise Cruises.
“This really has become something that belongs to all of the participating businesses,” said Audrey Stewart. “We have 45 small businesses, all with different stores, restaurants, services and personalities, working together to give people a reason to get out early, move around the island, discover places they may not normally visit and support local.”
In addition to traditional retail, shoppers who show their Sunrise Sale Passport at Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant will receive 10 percent off. In the spirit of traveling the island way, Billy’s Bikes & Rentals is offering 20 percent off rentals being used for the Sunrise Sale.
And because no one should have to get completely dressed before shopping at sunrise, pajamas are encouraged. The Sunrise Sale will include a pajama contest, and shoppers may find additional treats and surprises waiting for those who embrace the early-morning spirit.
“The message we really want people to understand is that there will be some great deals all weekend, but the best ones are this particular day, and you’ll want to start early,” Audrey said. “Come for sunrise if you can, but if you can’t, we still want you to come out, grab a passport, visit some businesses and make a day of Sanibel.”
The map-passports are available and returnable at the SanCap Chamber Visitor Center, 1159 Causeway Blvd., and at participating merchants. Click here to view the map-passport.
For more information about the Sunrise Sale and its participating businesses, visit SanibelIslandSunriseSale.com.