The Margate City business & restaurant districts celebrate Shop Small Business Weekend, Nov. 26-28 by offering sales, discounts & contests for shoppers, and a visit from America Sign Language Santa. “This year, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses, whether shoppers buy in person, online or purchase gift cards,” said Margate Business Association board member Michael Collins of Colmar Home Center. “The MBA is safely bringing some energy and fun to town with ASL Santa and lots of contests to enhance everyone’s shopping experience at all of our small businesses that we value so much.” Social distancing and mask wearing guidelines will be followed.

Santa will leave from the Margate Fire Station on Washington Avenue at noon on Saturday, November 27, travel up Cedar Grove to Atlantic Avenue down to Coolidge Avenue and will then be escorted down the length of Ventnor Avenue by the Margate City Fire Department and the Margate City Police Department to Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, Essex Ave. Santa, his elves and some very special characters will be available for pictures and visits both outside of Bocca and then inside the restaurant where children can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with a wrapped Wawa cookie and craft kit.

Children can drop off their letters to Santa at his slotted mailbox in the foyer of Bocca from Saturday, November 27 to December 3 at 6pm.

A series of contests will be held including Receipts are all the Rage where a lucky winner will receive a Margate gift card; Shop Small Selfie Contest, a scavenger hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes will be placed throughout the business districts, nothing will be hidden inside a business. See contest details below.

Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season by visiting the beautifully lighted Margate recreation fields on Jerome Avenue. Lights will go on daily at dusk starting on 11/24. Be sure to bring your camera!

Receipts Are All the Rage (RAAR):
Customers can take a photo of their receipt from any Margate business purchase made between Friday, November 26 and Sunday, November 28, and send the receipt photo to info@margatehasmore.com. There will be one randomly selected winner receive a gift certificate from the store of purchase. Winners will be notified via email.

Shop Small Selfie Contest:
Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to info@margatehasmore.com by Sunday, November 28. On Monday, public voting for the best photo will begin with the winner announced on December 4!

What is Shop Small:   In the midst of the recession in 2010 — Small Business Saturday® was created by American Express on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and officials in all 50 states participate. It even gets a shout-out from the president of the United States. Who knew that in 2020 we’d face one of the most devastating national health crises in our lifetime. Small Businesses were once again thrown a curve ball as our nation battled the after effects of a national “shut down” during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Small Movement is more relevant then ever. If you cannot shop in person, please consider purchasing virtual gift cards by contacting your favorite local retailers, professionals or restaurants.

Shop Small on Socials https://www.facebook.com/events/1176697752861462

Information / Press Coverage from past Shop Small events in Margate City, NJw.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?fref=ts