Florida has solidified its position as the top state for live commerce in the United States. With an impressive $1.6 billion in lifetime sales on the Whatnot platform, Florida outshines states like California and New York. Whatnot, which is quickly becoming the largest livestream shopping platform in North America, has revolutionized how Floridians buy and sell goods. In this blog, we’ll explore how Whatnot’s live commerce model works, why Florida is leading the charge, and the broader impact on local businesses and communities.
What is Whatnot? The Livestream Shopping Giant
Founded in 2019, Whatnot has brought a fresh, interactive dimension to e-commerce. Unlike traditional online shopping, Whatnot allows sellers to engage customers in real-time via livestreams. These livestreams feature product auctions, giveaways, and in-depth product descriptions—all designed to create an immersive shopping experience. This model not only builds excitement but also fosters a sense of connection between the sellers and buyers. As a result, Whatnot has experienced rapid growth, with Florida emerging as the state with the highest revenue generated from its platform.
Why Florida Is Dominating Livestream Sales
There are several factors contributing to Florida’s success on Whatnot.
- Thriving Local Business Ecosystem
Florida is home to a diverse range of businesses, from art galleries to small boutique shops, all of which have adapted to the live commerce model. The state’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, with many business owners eager to explore innovative sales methods. In fact, local sellers have tapped into Whatnot’s growing audience, leveraging livestreams to offer unique, personalized products to consumers. - Strong Social Media and Tech Presence
Florida’s residents are digitally savvy, with a large proportion of the population active on social media. This makes the state particularly well-suited for live commerce, where real-time interaction is key. Sellers are quick to use social platforms to drive traffic to their Whatnot channels, using Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to advertise upcoming livestreams. The synergy between social media and livestream shopping amplifies states’s lead in live sales. - Tourism and Global Reach
As a major tourist destination, Florida attracts visitors from all over the world. This global audience has opened the door for state-based sellers to expand beyond local markets. By engaging with international customers through livestream sales, local businesses have unlocked new revenue streams and broadened their customer base.
Impact on Florida’s Economy and Small Businesses
Whatnot’s success in Florida is not just a victory for individual sellers but also for the local economy. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are experiencing increased visibility and growth through livestreaming. This is especially beneficial in a time when many businesses are looking for new ways to reach customers amid the challenges of the digital age.
Bucs Owners Supporting Hurricane Relief for Business
In addition to its success in live commerce, Florida has seen support from high-profile figures in the state. The owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for instance, have directed $1 million in hurricane relief funds toward small businesses in Tampa Bay and West Central region. Through grants administered by various local chambers of commerce, small business community is receiving much-needed financial support. This initiative reflects the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs, especially as they recover from natural disasters and economic challenges.
Miami-Dade’s Strive305 Portal: A Boost for Small Business Owners
Miami-Dade County has also launched a platform to support its growing small business community. The Strive305 portal, developed in collaboration with Wells Fargo, provides a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs. From mentorship to access to loans and business training, Strive305 is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to start or elevate their business in Miami-Dade. This kind of initiative is helping small businesses thrive in Florida, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.
Florida Entrepreneurs Making Waves: FAU’s Tech Runway Success
Entrepreneurs in Florida are making headlines beyond Whatnot’s livestream sales. Recently, a Tech Runway entrepreneur from Atlantic University secured a $250,000 investment during the CrocTank event, hosted by the stars of ABC’s “Shark Tank.” The event highlighted state’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and its capacity to nurture and fund innovative ideas. Events like these showcase state’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and attracting investment capital.
Women’s Conference: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
This US state is also a hub for women entrepreneurs, with events like the Women’s Conference of Florida empowering women across the state. The eighth annual conference, taking place on December 13, 2024, at the Tampa Convention Center, will provide women with networking opportunities, workshops, and impactful speakers. These events are crucial in promoting diversity in business and helping women lead in entrepreneurship. The state continues to prioritize gender inclusivity in the business world, giving rise to a new wave of women-led ventures.
The Business of Art: Miami’s Art Week Opportunities
The Miami Art Week is another example of thriving business scene, with visual artists seizing opportunities to turn their passion into a profitable career. Artists like Eddie Graham, who turned his layoff into a chance to pursue art full-time, have found success in Miami’s art scene. For many artists, Miami Art Week is more than just an exhibition; it’s a business opportunity. Over the years, Graham has seen his sales fluctuate greatly during the event, underscoring the fine balance between art and commerce in Florida’s creative industries.
NextGen Entrepreneurs: Eco-Conscious Innovation
It is also a hotspot for the next generation of entrepreneurs focused on sustainability. Caiti Waks, a lawyer and surfer, is leading the charge with her nonprofit, Debris Free Oceans. This organization works to reduce plastic pollution in waters, combining environmental activism with business innovation. The success of organizations like Debris Free Oceans demonstrates Florida’s potential to lead in eco-conscious business ventures.
Florida’s Future as a Live Commerce Hub
As the highest-grossing state on Whatnot, Florida is leading the way in livestream sales, setting a precedent for the future of online commerce. With its vibrant business ecosystem, digital-savvy population, and growing support for small businesses, The state is well-positioned to continue its dominance in live commerce. The state’s focus on empowering entrepreneurs through various resources and initiatives ensures that its businesses will thrive in the digital age.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to join the live commerce revolution or a consumer interested in unique, real-time shopping experiences, Florida is at the forefront of this exciting new trend. The future of commerce is live, and the state is leading the way.
If you’re a Florida-based entrepreneur looking to expand your business or explore new ways to connect with customers, consider utilizing platforms like Whatnot, or check out initiatives like Strive305 and the Glazer Family Small Business Fund. The opportunities are abundant, and entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever.
