County’s tourism agency working to help businesses counteract downturn related to red tide
This month, visitors to Sarasota County can enjoy deals at retail locations during the third annual “Shoptember” promotion, Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has announced.
The tourism marketing agency for Sarasota County, Visit Sarasota County is working with retailers, shopping districts, restaurants and others throughout the region to get them involved, a news release says.
“With the recent red tide episode, tourism businesses are hurting more than they usually are during what is a historically slow period of time for businesses,” said Virginia J. Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, in the release. “Our staff has been hitting the pavement, going door-to-door across the county to encourage retailers to participate in Shoptember,” she added in the release. “Sarasota’s always been a destination that encourages visitors go explore beyond the beaches and there is no better time than to encourage visitors to get out and shop in our shops, dine in restaurants and take advantage of savings and deals while doing so.”
VSC promotes the deals through its marketing channels, such as social media, its website and radio advertising, the release points out.
A full list of deals and information may be found at www.SarasotaShoptember.com.
Shoptember in Sarasota County will last the entire month of September, the release says.