Chamber to host islands’ first-ever sunrise sale
An inaugural event planned for the holiday weekend aims to promote businesses on the islands.
Hosted by the SanCap Chamber, the Sanibel-Captiva Sunrise Sale will take place on Aug. 30 from 7:07 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will feature exclusive deals, tiered sales, discounts up to 50%, BOGOs, free gifts with purchases, giveaways and in-store perks from participating businesses, plus a grand prize drawing.
“Labor Day weekend is typically buzzing around the islands and it’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen that. We wanted to draw attention that businesses are open for business,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said, adding that attendees can shop, grab lunch and make a day of it.
He explained that the idea stemmed from Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and A Little Adventure co-owners Audrey and Josh Stewart, who hold a similar successful event at their St. Petersburg store. They decided to organize one on Sanibel with a few businesses, but interest on the island quickly grew.
“When they approached us, we didn’t have to think a lot about it. They recognized the chamber’s reach could help them amplify their message,” Lai said, giving the couple credit for proposing a great idea.
Audrey Stewart described it as Black Friday, island style — only sunrise, instead of midnight.
“More than just the year’s best deals, it’s a new tradition that brings neighbors, friends and visitors together for a morning full of laughter, camaraderie and island spirit,” she said. “We can’t wait to kick off the day with the best deals and a whole lot of pajama-party fun.”
Lai reported that the participants are located from the east end of Sanibel to the end of Captiva.
“Over 45 businesses, if you include the restaurants,” he said. “For the first-ever event, it is certainly a huge participation. More than we expected, for sure.”
Lai noted that attendees will want to get out early for the best savings.
“The 50% deals aren’t all day,” he said. “The earlier your come, the better the deals.”
In addition, some businesses will offer discounts and free items for those wearing their pajamas.
The giveaways will take place throughout the day.
“Once again, the earlier you go, the bigger the giveaways,” Lai said.
In-store perks will range from complementary breakfasts and mimosas, to chair massages and more.
“There’ll be food and drinks, and you’ve got different offerings throughout the different plazas,” he said. “You’ve also got the restaurants open for business and participating, as well.”
During the event, attendees can pick up a passport sticker from any of the participating retailers. Customers will receive a sticker for every purchase, and those with 10 or more stickers will be entered in a drawing for a grand-prize island merchandise basket. There are two baskets for two winners.
“It will be a combination of gifts from every store that’s participating, as well as some restaurants and resorts that are not participating,” Lai said.
The maps-passports are also available at the chamber’s Visitor Center.
The public is invited to take part.
“This is a great way to get out and support the islands, while saving a lot of money in the process. It’s a great way to kick off the long weekend,” he said. “Make a day of it, make a weekend of it. We’re excited to welcome you back.”
For more information, visit sancapsunrisesale.com or call the chamber at 239-472-1080.
The SanCap Chamber’s Visitor Center at 1159 Causeway Blvd., Sanibel.
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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA SUNRISE SALE PARTICIPANTS
– A Bit of Bailey’s
– A Little Adventure
– Adventures in Paradise
– Adventures in Paradise Outfitters
– Beach Daisy
– Billy’s Rentals
– Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill
– Bubbly Latitude
– Captiva Curio Cottage
– Charlie’s Island Gifts
– Coast Clothing
– Congress Jewelers
– Finnimore’s Cycle Shop
– Her Sports Closet
– Home by Rachel Pierce
– Island Pearl
– The Island Store
– JRod’s Surf, Fish & Style
– MacIntosh Books + Paper
– Nanny’s of Sanibel
– On Island
– One Island Sanibel
– Pierce’s Paw Paradise
– Rachel Pierce Art Gallery
– Sandy Toes & Bottoms
– Sanibel Cafe
– Sanibel Day Spa
– Sanibel Pilates & Spa
– Sanibel Sole
– Sanybel’s Finest
– Sea Glass Lane
– Shiny Objects
– South Seas Outfitters
– Stoked Flamingo
– Suncatchers Dream
– Synergy
– Tarpon Bay Explorers
– The Bait Box
– The Dunes
– The Moke & Cabana Club
– The Sanibel Sprout
– Tiki Jim’s
– Tuttles Seahorse Shell Shop
– Vero Drapes
– Wilford & Lee
– Yara’s Shoes & Boutique