Annual Sanibel Island Sunrise Sale to return to island
The community can jump-start the holiday weekend with shopping, dining and supporting local.
In partnership with the SanCap Chamber, Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and A Little Adventure have organized the second annual Sanibel Island Sunrise Sale for Sep. 5 from 7:09 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last year, co-owners Josh and Audrey Stewart proposed the idea to kick off the festivities for Labor Day.
“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,” Josh Stewart said. “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.”
Organizers noted that the inaugural event was well-received by residents and visitors.
“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,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “People came out in their pajamas, ready for fun and a little retail therapy. Business owners were thrilled with the success.”
This year, over 40 Sanibel shops will take part. Participating venues include boutiques, outfitters, children’s stores, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, wellness businesses, specialty retailers and more.
“This really has become something that belongs to all of the participating businesses,” Audrey Stewart said. “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.”
Opening precisely at sunrise, with extended hours for this year’s event, the participating retail shops and restaurants will offer exclusive deals, tiered sales, up to 50% discounts, BOGOs, limited-quantity specials, free gifts with purchases and other giveaways. In-store perks will consist of complimentary breakfasts, mimosas, chair massages and other incentives.
“Think of it as Black Friday, island-style, with sunrise, coffee and pajamas galore,” Josh Stewart said. “There’s even a pajamas contest.”
The chamber’s Visitor Center and participating merchants will have a map-passport for the event. Shoppers will receive a sticker for their passport from the businesses that they visit that day Those who collect 10 or more stickers by 5 p.m. will be eligible for entry into drawings for three grand prizes.
They are stays at the Anchor Inn & Cottages, Shalimar Beach Resort and Tarpon Tale Inn, plus gift certificates from businesses like The Moke & Cabana Club and Adventures in Paradise Cruises.
“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,” Audrey Stewart 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.”
Island visitors and residents are encouraged to take part.
“The Sunrise Sale is all about community. When we work together as small businesses, we all benefit,” Audrey Stewart said. “This is an opportunity to invite shoppers back to the island, generate buzz and boost our local economy during a historically slower time of year.”
“The Sunrise Sale has quickly become about more than finding the best deals of the year,” Josh Stewart added. “It’s a fun morning when our island businesses, residents and visitors all come together to enjoy the early morning atmosphere and celebrate that special sense of community that makes Sanibel Sanibel.”
For more information, visit SanibelIslandSunriseSale.com.
The SanCap Chamber’s Visitor Center at 1159 Causeway Blvd., Sanibel.