- May 4, 2024
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Economic leaders agree that the community’s 4,000 small businesses are key to economic recovery in Flagler County.
Maureen Vitello, owner of JMJ Tobacco at 402 Beach Village Drive, was one of several local business owners who participated in Small Business Saturday for the first time, by offering 25% off all cigars and accessories. The sale was promoted mainly through word-of-mouth, and a little bit of social media, but it did the trick.
“Our customer count was up by probably a good 20%,” she said. “But who knows, was it just because it was a holiday weekend? I don’t know. But I was happy with my numbers.”
Vitello said that even after eight years of business in Flagler Beach, many residents still don’t seem to know about her shop. It’s a similar story, she said, to countless other local companies.
“It’s amazing how many people don’t even really know how many small businesses are around,” she said. “No matter what I do, with advertisements and that, people are still (surprised to see us here).”
Still, her business is growing, and events like Small Business Saturday have helped her to promote her brand
In February, JMJ plans to open a second location in Palm Coast, in the Publix strip at the Town Center. The shop will be filling three more positions. And next November, Vitello plans to increase promotion of her Small Business Saturday sales, and maybe offer a buy one/get one deal.
Pam Mann, owner of the Bark Spot next door to JMJ, also participated in the event, offering 20% to any customer who spent $25 or more.
“It was good. It’s a good thing to do,” she said. “But really, you have to promote it.”
Mann issued an email blast about her sale, and posted a sign in her store window. But she wishes more was done as a group in Flagler to draw more attention to small businesses.
Palm Coast Business Assistance Center Area Manager Joe Roy agrees that supporting small businesses is the key to economic recovery.
“Our local business owners employ our residents, pay local business tax and property taxes, and are our friends and neighbors,” he said.
With small businesses accounting for 75% of Flagler’s total commerce, Roy explained that of every $100 spent at a company headquartered in Flagler, an average of $65 remains in Flagler, as opposed to the $35 remaining if spent at a company headquartered elsewhere.
”With over 4,000 small businesses in our community, buying local increases the likelihood that we will grow our economy one job at a time,” he said.
Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates President Doug Baxter also noted that 38% of Flagler companies operate out of their homes, which makes Cyber Monday an important local holiday, as well. The end of Thanksgiving weekend, though, doesn’t mark the last opportunity for Flagler commerce to boom.
“This coming weekend is going to be big for Flagler Beach,” he said.
On Dec. 2, the city will celebrate its monthly First Friday event, and start the Scramble Ramble. Santa will parachute onto the beach on Saturday, just before the annual Christmas parade, bed race and “Flagler’s Got Talent” show. And from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, the Corvette Club of Flagler will hold a car show at Veterans Memorial Park.
All are potentially big selling opportunities that could help small businesses gain exposure.
“Small business owners have overcome many obstacles, yet their enthusiasm — and optimism — never wavers,” Roy said.
Contact Mike Cavaliere at [email protected].
