Every purchase you make at a local shop in Venice does more than just fill a shopping bag. It puts money back into the community, creates jobs for your neighbors, and keeps downtown Venice’s character alive and thriving. Small Business Monday isn’t just another marketing gimmick. It’s a real opportunity to make your shopping dollars count where they matter most.
Why Your Wallet Makes a Difference
When you spend $100 at a locally owned business, about 68% stays right here in Venice. Compare that to chain stores, where only 48% stick around. That’s a 20% difference that goes straight into paychecks, local suppliers, and community programs.
The numbers tell an even bigger story. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, small independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy as their chain competitors. Your morning coffee from a Venice cafe doesn’t just wake you up. It helps pay for a local baker’s supplies, a farmer’s crops, and maybe even your kid’s teacher’s salary.
Small businesses created 12.9 million jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for 66% of employment growth nationwide. In Venice, these businesses are the backbone of the community, not faceless corporations making decisions hundreds of miles away.
Downtown Venice: Where Shopping Feels Like Home
Historic downtown Venice has that rare quality you can’t manufacture: authenticity. The tree-lined streets along West Venice Avenue, East Venice Avenue, Tampa Avenue, Miami Avenue, Nokomis Avenue, and Nassau Street are packed with family-owned boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops where the owners actually know your name.
Must Visit Local Shops
Tiki Tyme at 1831 South Tamiami Trail is your go-to spot for tropical-themed gifts and Venice-inspired souvenirs. Owners Barbara and Dennis have been helping visitors and locals find the perfect beachwear, custom t-shirts, and those famous coconut postcards for over 21 years. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM.
The Island Bookshop at 206 West Miami Avenue brings that independent bookstore magic to downtown Venice. University professors Aimee Carol Odette and Michael Garnet Rank created this literary hub to showcase local writers and provide a gathering place for book lovers. Open Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
The Sun Bug has been a Venice staple for over 30 years, offering an incredible selection of women’s swimwear and beachwear. Their beach-inspired aesthetic makes them a favorite stop for locals and tourists alike seeking quality coastal fashion.
Seaside Chic Boutique delivers on its name with coastal-inspired fashion and accessories perfect for the Venice lifestyle. The shop’s carefully curated selection includes everything from casual beach wear to stylish pieces for a night out.
Nest Venice captures the essence of Gulf Coast living with rustic, coastal, and vintage home decor. From hand-painted wall art to artisanal candles and beach-themed pottery, every piece reflects the spirit of Florida’s coastline.
Saturday Mornings at the Farmers Market
The Venice Farmers Market has been a community tradition since 1997. Every Saturday morning, year-round, rain or shine, over 60 vendors set up at Venice City Hall between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques. Hours run from 8 AM to noon in summer (April through September) and 8 AM to 1 PM in winter (October through March).
You’ll find Florida-grown mushrooms, wild-caught seafood, fresh-baked goods, locally roasted coffee, boutique cheeses, and handcrafted soap. Local artists sell award-winning photography, clay art, jewelry, and hand-designed clothing. There’s live music from local entertainers, making it more than just a market. It’s a weekly gathering that brings the community together.
Make Every Monday Small Business Monday
You don’t need a special day on the calendar to support Venice businesses. Every purchase at a locally owned shop, every meal at a family-run restaurant, every visit to the Farmers Market creates a ripple effect through the community. The owner might use your money to buy supplies from another local business, which then supports a local farmer or artist, creating a cycle of economic activity that strengthens Venice from the inside out.
Venice MainStreet and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce provide resources and support for local businesses, ensuring that this community continues to thrive as a destination that values authenticity over corporate homogenization.
Next time you need a gift, a new outfit, or just want to browse, skip the big box stores and head downtown. Your neighbors who own these shops work hard to provide quality products, personal service, and a shopping experience that actually feels good. They’re not just business owners. They’re your community members, and they’re counting on you to help keep Venice special.
Sources: visitvenicefl.org, yelp.com, buylakewoodranch.com
Header Image Source: visitvenicefl.org
