The St. Petersburg Downtown Business Association’s annual Sunrise Sale will take place this Thursday, with careful attention to COVID precautions. This year marks the 47th anniversary of the blockbuster summer sale which has been featured in the New York Times and often referred to as “St. Petersburg’s Largest Pajama Party.”
More than 40 businesses have confirmed their participation – the full map and list can be found at www.stpetedowntownbiz.com/sunrise-sale.html. Beginning at 6:43 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, scores of downtown and nearby merchants and businesses will offer doorbuster sales and special offers. The annual event sees downtown filled at dawn with yellow flags, bright balloons and eager shoppers – and this year will have some online pre-order and pick-up options for those who aren’t yet comfortable going inside.
Shoppers are encouraged to wear their pajamas (or their finest COVID loungewear) and those who do are often treated to extra discounts or small gifts. This year, there will be a special mask contest via social media. In most years, businesses have provided snacks and beverages, but in light of the pandemic they will not be doing so this year – instead, The Annex at 400 Beach and the new Crislip Café in the 600 block of Central Avenue are offering a free cup of coffee to shoppers until 11:00 a.m. Hungry shoppers can also find great breakfast specials at several spots listed on the map.
“This year more than ever we need to support these local merchants who have faced months of lost revenue,” says DBA President Tami Simms. “The event was originally created to boost sales in the slow summer months, but this year can play a pivotal role in their ability to recover and to keep their doors open.”
The event is open to the public, and maps will be available at all participating locations to guide people to participating businesses. Anxious shoppers can follow the Sunrise Sale announcements and special offers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DBAStPete.