- May 3, 2024
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With the holiday season quickly approaching, Ormond Beach residents are starting to prepare their wallets for the biggest shopping season of the year. According Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley, some local citizens have yet to discover the variety of businesses in their own backyards.
"Often times, people don’t realize what local businesses are available to them," he said. "Most often they’re run by people who live here, your children are in same schools, they go to the same churches and they’re involved activities that you are involved in. The small businesses brings a sense of community to the community."
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rick Fraser said he recently read that 80 to 90% of business licenses are for small businesses, and that they are the "lifeblood of employment."
"They tend to be more focused locally," Fraser said, "because they're members of the chamber and other organizations. That's who we cater to, so it's important that we patronize the small, family-owned businesses."
"We have very, very good small business from specialty stores to places to eat," Kelley said. "The service that you receive from a local business is often more personalized than the big box stores outside of our area."
"I like Granada Gourmet, Preppy Beach, Elements of Design and Purple Dragonfly. Businesses like that are important because they bring a new products that aren't carried in big box stores. They provide a home-town feel and you don't have to go to Daytona."
"Rachel's Shoes and Bags, I love that place. I like most of the stores in Granada Plaza over there on beachside. They're owned usually by families or small entrepreneurs. It's nice to support them so they stay in business."
"I like Larry’s Giant Subs, Pirana Grill and Kona Tiki Bar. It’s something to remind you of home. I grew up here, so I like to see local places can stay in business."
