ST. PETERSBURG — Set your alarms early for the 52nd annual Sunrise Sale in downtown St. Petersburg on Thursday, July 17.
The event, sponsored by the Downtown Business Association, kicks off at 6:43 a.m. Those who wear pajamas may receive extra discounts or small gifts. Maps guide visitors to participating businesses, and Facebook previews special offers at www.facebook.com/DBAStPete
The tradition features 47 restaurants, shops and services. Participants can ride the SunRunner from the beach to downtown and sample offerings at Annex 400 Beach, Birch & Vine, Seymour’s Bagel Shop, Grassroots Kava and Wooden Rooster. Shoppers can discover St. Petersburg artisans at The St. Pete Store, update wardrobes at Top Button Thrift, Ashe Couture, Jackie Z and Misred Outfitters and browse art at Florida CraftArt or Museum of Fine Arts. From jewelry to surf gear, Sunken Gardens to Shapiro’s Gallery, early risers can find discounts throughout.
Tami Simms, Downtown Business Association president, said nearly 50 of the organization’s 60 members are participating in this year’s event.
“DBA has a legacy of providing support, connections, collective promotion and advocacy for its members,” she said. “It’s a grassroots effort to maintain what makes downtown St. Petersburg a vibrant place to live, work and play. It’s a fun event that makes a world of difference in terms of keeping businesses afloat during slow summer months.”
Business has been slower than usual this summer following recent hurricanes, making the Sunrise Sale particularly welcome for local owners. Jose J. Martinez, owner of Sartorial men’s store and a past DBA president, called the event “a true St. Pete experience where shoppers can enjoy the best bargains of the year while supporting truly local St. Pete small business.
“This year we will feature 70% off and $30 racks, with 25% off remaining store items,” Martinez said.
Shelly Hemans, who runs The St. Pete Store and recently won Best Specialty Shop in St. Pete Life Magazine’s Besties, has embraced the event’s pajama tradition in years past.
“My favorite part of the day is greeting and welcoming in all the crazy shoppers dressed in their p.j.’s, slippers and robes,” she said. “We’ll have 20% off 6:43 a.m.-8:43 a.m. and 10% off all day plus a raffle with a gift basket.”
Tony Loeffler, owner of Atlas Body and a DBA board member, said the event provides crucial summer business.
“This will be our fifth year doing this since we opened in 2019,” he said. “We get to see a huge influx of new and old faces, give our guys some killer deals and commune with other small business owners during what is typically our slow season in downtown St. Petersburg. We will be doing our usual huge sidewalk sale with deep discounts on shirts, shorts, swimwear and more and we will of course have our famous $15 tee rack.”
