Central Florida shoppers flock to local stores for Small Business Saturday

SANFORD, Fla. — Small businesses around Central Florida welcomed visitors with special deals as “Small Business Saturday” shoppers stopped by.

Local businesses, like Wondermade in Sanford, opened their doors for the retail holiday and hoped for the best.

READ: Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! restaurant to open in Winter Park next week

“We do a toasted popsicle ice cream and candies,” said Wondermade owner Nathan Clark.

Clark said as soon as they opened for the day, people started showing up.

“Our first customers this morning came from Leesburg,” Clark said. “They just wanted to come see what it’s all about and come support all the businesses.

It’s a good thing, he said, because now more than ever, support is needed.

“This has been the best sales day we’ve ever had for Small Business Saturday,” he said.

READ: 9 things to do this weekend: FusionFest, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays & more

The pandemic wasn’t easy on the business in Central Florida and the nation.

“Last year was the worst year we’ve ever had. We almost had to close our door,” Clark said.

And while he said they made a comeback, this year has provided another challenge with an ongoing labor shortage.

“It’s been hard to hire enough people,” Clark said. “It’s just hard to find people.”

READ: Bob Dylan artwork show opens in Florida, new cinema paintings

His business wasn’t the only one today trying to bring in traffic.

The retail holiday saw 15 other businesses this year in Sanford participating, including The Treehouse Antiques next door.

“It really brings a lot of people in,” said Sharon Lascola with The Treehouse Antiques. “It’s been amazing, lots of people coming in, lots of people shopping.”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

©2021 Cox Media Group