On Saturday, November 25th, the Canarsie Merchants Association celebrated our 3rd Annual Small Business Saturday, a special day dedicated to recognizing and supporting the local businesses that contribute to the unique character and liveliness of our neighborhood. Throughout the day, there were various activities, promotions and events designed to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that call our community home.
The day started with four financial literacy sessions at merchant locations, with the primary objective to empower and educate our community on essential financial principles, ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds could gain valuable insights into managing their finances effectively. Each session was led by an expert presenter with topics that ranged from building wealth to preparing for tax season.
Our aim this year was to reach beyond Rockaway Parkway North, including all corridors in the celebration. Many deals and steals were offered by merchants. If you spent $25 or more shopping on Avenues K to N, you received a free cup of hot chocolate.
By participating in a Small Business Saturday survey, individuals had the chance to win a generous $100 shopping spree. We also distributed our new, reusable bags, reminding the community to keep our streets clean and to help us care for our street tree gardens.
In the afternoon, we hosted our much-anticipated Canarsie Pop-Up Market at Liberty Tax and Sylk Cove Lounge. The venues were transformed into vibrant marketplaces, offering diverse products and services from local vendors who poured their creativity and dedication into their businesses. Shopping at the Canarsie Pop-Up Market was not just about buying products, it was an opportunity to connect with the community. We are used to shopping at major retailers but forget about the small businesses also trying to make a living in a competitive market. We are thankful to Liberty Tax and Sylk Cove Lounge for providing the space for the vendors. If you missed our pop-up, do not worry! You will have another chance to shop at our December market.
We ended the day with the launch of the Canarsie Lights. Local merchants came together to adorn their storefronts with lights. Community members were given their own candlelights to join in the festivity. The collaboration between merchants and community members not only showcased the collective pride in our neighborhood but also fostered a sense of togetherness during the holiday season. Thank you to The Xperience Coffee House & Juice Bar for providing hot chocolate to the community as a warm treat.
Overall, this Small Business Saturday was a success and everyone had the opportunity to participate in the fun. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and acknowledge the amazing small businesses located right in Canarsie.
CMA = Commerce + Community and thank you to all for their continued support. You can count on us to build back better, stronger and together.
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