ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Many small business owners plan to have extended hours this weekend as customers start their holiday shopping.
Shoreline Sugars Boutique is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
The boutique started in 2016 as a mother-daughter collaboration.
"We sell women's clothing fashion, accessories, gifts and fun things that you can't find anywhere else. We try to stay unique," said co-owner Mary Clark.
Mary Clark, co-owner of Shoreline Sugars Boutique, said online sales kept them going during the pandemic.
They relocated their store from Apollo Beach to St. Pete's Central Avenue in August.
"It was so scary, but we were like this is it. It's now or never like fail or fly. It's going to happen so we worked hard, late nights and took a big risk," said Clark.
Clark said Small Business Saturday is her favorite day of the year.
"You get to support the people that make your community," she said.
St. Pete expanded its "shop local initiative" into 3 days. Customers may find sales and discounts during its "Gobble, Gobble Small Business 3-Day Event."
RELATED: St. Pete launches 3-day shop small Gobble Gobble event
Over 100 small businesses are participating in 5 neighborhoods including the Grand Central District, Edge District, Skyway Marina District and The Deuces Live.
"The mom and pop shops need that extra support from people that came out before COVID ever happened so we’re hoping at least people will not be afraid and we will do the things to keep them safe by sanitizing and wearing masks and keeping safe distances," said Christy Faris, Owner of Christy's Enchanted Notions.
The City of Tampa also listed a directory of small businesses. It features more than three dozen brick-and-mortar businesses operating within city limits.
