Waited until the last minute to find that perfect holiday gift? Don\u2019t worry, local businesses say they have you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the deadline to next Thursday\u2019s big gift day ticks down, so are prices at Cape Coral businesses. In the city\u2019s South Cape shopping and entertainment district, many places are offering last-minute steals and deals. The area is full of various shops to find whatever a loved one may enjoy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe South Cape is a great destination for last-minute gift shopping because it offers a wide mix of\u00a0locally owned boutiques, specialty shops and gift stores\u00a0all in one area,\u201d said South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association spokesperson Shannon Quinn. \u201cShoppers can find items that feel personal and unique, such as handmade goods, artwork, boutique clothing, custom pieces, rather than mass-produced items. The walkable nature of the district also makes it easy to visit several shops in a short amount of time, which is especially helpful for last-minute shoppers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Take trip down Cape Coral Parkway, or peruse Southeast 47th Terrace and see what catches your eye.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMany small businesses in the South Cape area typically offer\u00a0seasonal promotions, holiday discounts and gift card incentives\u00a0during the final days leading up to the holidays,\u201d Quinn added. \u201cSome shops also run in-store specials or limited time sales that aren\u2019t always advertised online, so visiting in person or checking social media pages is often the best way to find deals.\u201d<\/p>\n
For a city that is bountiful with small businesses, shopping local, especially during the holiday season, is way to benefit the city\u2019s economy directly, as well as patron places that are owned and operated by neighbors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShopping \u2018small\u2019 helps strengthen the local economy by keeping dollars circulating within the community,\u201d Quinn said. \u201cLocal businesses are often family-owned, create local jobs, and are more likely to give back through community involvement and sponsorships. Small businesses also provide more personalized service, which can make gift giving more meaningful compared to buying something at larger retailers.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Zak\u2019s Jewelry, patrons can find a wide variety of offerings. Family-owned and operated in Cape Coral since 1977, Zak\u2019s has a compelling designs and sparkling custom jewelry. Zak\u2019s master jewelers create elegant designs and custom pieces that are sure to convey the gifted\u2019s sentiments.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving 48 years of experience servicing Cape Coral during the Christmas season has given us an unparalleled understanding of what Cape Coral wants,\u201d said Zak\u2019s owner, Alison Polo. \u201cOur store is fully stocked with all of the classics, as well as new trendy pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n
From bracelets to pendants, necklaces to earrings, rings to charms and more, there\u2019s something for every taste at Zak\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs always, you can find\u00a0quality merchandise at a reasonable price at Zak\u2019s Jewelry, but to make it even better, we have a year-round 50% off case, amazing deals in the estate case, and amazing lab-grown diamonds pricing,\u201d Polo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Polo also shared that shopping locally during the holidays is a benefit to the city directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy shopping at a local small business, you are supporting your neighbors livelihoods, not distant shareholders,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u201cYou are reinvesting in your local community; its churches, schools, sporting teams, etcetera. Not to mention the personal service that comes along with shopping with people who care about whether or not you are happy. We want to see you come back. We want to meet the next generation in your family. We want to be a part of your family\u2019s big milestones. This isn\u2019t a one-time thing for us, we want to build a lifelong relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n