Retail

2018 Holiday Shopping Totaled $707.5 Billion

Retail sales were up by 2.9 percent over 2017, below a projected increase of 4.3 to 4.8 percent, according to new statistics.

02/15/2019 By Staff

Making Spirits Bright

Pangea Serves Up Christmas Cocktails at 'Miracle' Holiday Pop-Up

Christmas Carol Barrel, anyone?

12/17/2018 By Megan McDonald

Retail

Average Spending By Thanksgiving Weekend Shoppers Tops $313

That's down from last year, when shoppers spent an average of $335.47 over the holiday weekend.

11/28/2018 By Staff

Weekly Planner

Breakfast with Santa, Beer Garden Bazaars and More Local Dining Events this Week

Including a vegan cheese and wine night and the Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival.

11/28/2018 By Giulia Heyward

'Tis the Season

Your Guide to the 2018 Holiday Season

Let's get festive.

11/20/2018 By Giulia Heyward

Retail

Americans' Holiday Spending Expected to Top $1,000 on Average

American consumers plan to spend an average of $1,007 during this year's holiday season, 4.1 percent higher than last year's spending, according to new survey results.

10/29/2018 By Staff

Data

Retail Group Anticipates Rise in Holiday Spending This Year

The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday retail sales will increase by 4.3-4.8 percent, for a total of between $717.5 billion and $720.9 billion.

10/04/2018 By Staff

Networking

'Holiday Fiesta' Set for Wednesday

The Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce party benefits the children of the emergency shelter at Manatee Children's Services.

12/07/2017 By staff

Networking

Neighborhood Groups Hold Holiday Potluck Party Next Week

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations is throwing its annual holiday potluck party at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11.

12/05/2017 By staff

Retail

Independent Holiday Craft Fair Returns for Year 12

Atomic Holiday Bazaar features more than 200 independent vendors selling clothing, jewelry, furniture, prepared food and more.

12/05/2017 By staff

Christmas Time Is Here

The Charlie Brown Christmas Live Show Brings Vince Guaraldi's Soundtrack to Life

The national touring show hits the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.

12/04/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Events

Holiday Parade Celebrates Circus Legends

The Sarasota Holiday Parade is honoring the 65th anniversary of the release of the film The Greatest Show on Earth.

11/30/2017 By staff

Retail

69 Percent of Americans Plan to Shop This Weekend

That portion includes shoppers who plan to spend on Cyber Monday.

11/17/2017 By staff

It's Getting Hot in Here

98 Degrees Will Perform at the Van Wezel During Its Christmas Tour

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a second Christmas album and holiday tour.

11/16/2017 By Stephanie Isaac

Retail

Mall Christmas Attraction Returns

The Mall at University Town Center's holiday attraction, Santa's Flight Academy, will run through Christmas Eve.

11/15/2017 By staff

Holidays 2016

Your Guide to Sarasota's Best Holiday Events 2016

We give you everything you need to know about the best December events this holiday season.

12/14/2016 By Lana Allen

Deck the Halls

Tree-Trimming Tricks from Former MoMA Exec Bonnie Mackay

Former MoMA executive Bonnie Mackay on her ~~obsession~~ love of all things ornamental.

11/22/2016 By Heather Dunhill

O, Christmas Tree

The Holidays are Big Business for Lux-Art Silks

The holiday season makes up 70 percent of the company's annual retail sales.

11/22/2016 By Susan Burns Photography by Barbara Banks

Retail

Mall Christmas Attraction Debuts Nov. 11

The Mall at University Town Center will debut a new Christmas-themed attraction for kids on Friday, Nov. 11.

11/03/2016 Research by staff

Holidays

Holiday Happenings Around Sarasota

A few of our favorite local holiday offerings to enjoy with family and friends.

12/16/2015 By Kay Kipling