The holiday shopping season can be overwhelming, but on Saturday, small business owners are encouraging people to downsize and patronize their local stores.
Small Business Saturday is an initiative that encourages shoppers to support small and local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as an alternative to the big retailers that usually get attention on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
According to the US Small Business Administration, the initiative was started in 2010 by American Express as a response to the economic crisis in 2008. The annual event was said to attract $17 billion to small businesses by 2023.
“Every dollar you spend creates three to five dollars in local impact, supporting local jobs, strengthening the local tax base.”
“Every dollar you spend creates three to five dollars in local impact,” said Amy Duncan, Director of the Brink SBDC Team at the University of San Diego. “When you shop with them, they’re able to hire locally; they buy things for their business from local vendors and it just creates a more vibrant high street.”
Some San Diego neighborhoods with their vibrant small business communities are offering their own incentives to draw local customers through their doors.
“It’s really about enabling that experience for you. So far, all the streets are decorated for the holidays. And so make it more of a walk and enjoy the experience that you’re getting, which you won’t have in a giant store. big,” Duncan said.
Here’s a guide to supporting local businesses this coming Saturday and throughout the rest of the holiday shopping season.
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North Park is the place to be for exciting freebies, special offers and unique local finds from more than three dozen businesses.
The holiday shopping season will kick off at 11 a.m. with remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and California Assemblyman Christopher Ward. The event will be launched ahead of A7D Creative Group, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The North Park Main Street Association has planned a variety of festive activities throughout the Business District, setting the stage for a fun and relaxing day exploring the neighborhood.
A local scavenger hunt will also take place, inviting participants to look for Ollie the Owl, the Shop Local campaign’s beloved mascot. Ollie will be hiding in various participating businesses in North Park and those who spot him can inform staff to claim a prize, providing a fun way to explore the neighborhood and support local shops.
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‘Tis the season to buy real estate in Ocean Beach. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association hopes to attract shoppers to their group of small businesses by offering a Holiday Gift Guide, the chance to play OBeachy Bingo, exclusive Ocean Beach holiday merchandise and its own Santa experience.
Shoppers who spend $50 or more between 10am and 4pm on Saturday will have the chance to spin the wheel to win OB swag, gift cards and more. Click here for more information.
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Little Italy is celebrating Small Business season all month long, starting with Small Business Saturday. As one of the largest Little Italy neighborhoods in the country, San Diego’s Little Italy is home to a variety of unique boutiques, galleries and shops.
Many locally owned businesses will offer in-store specials, discounts and extended hours on Saturday. If you prefer to shop from home, many businesses offer online shopping, gift cards, and even virtual personal shopping with curbside pickup. More details here.
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Every Saturday (and Sunday) is Small Business Saturday in the Gaslamp Quarter, where the craft market takes over 5th Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use this Saturday as an excuse to get out and support local creators.
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From charming boutiques to delicious dining options, Carlsbad Village is home to a variety of small businesses, each offering something special for the holidays.
The Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) is hosting a party with nearly $1,500 in prizes, including gift cards and prize packages from local restaurants and vendors. Free tote bags and Carlsbad swag will also be available while supplies last. For more details, click here.
North of Carlsbad, the Forum is inviting shoppers to enjoy seasonal deals at their local businesses. Singers will bring the joy from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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This Small Business Saturday, explore downtown Escondido shopping, dining and collecting stamps to fill your bingo card for a chance to win prize packs.
Prizes donated by local businesses include treats for foodies, art lovers, shoppers and spectators. Start your day at the Heritage Garden, where you can enjoy family activities, a holiday cabaret, games, a photo booth and a 5,000 square foot outdoor skating rink.
The Escondido Downtown Business Association has partnered with local stores to create a fun experience, including a bingo game where participants can collect stamps for a chance to win. More details here.
South Bay shoppers can stroll down 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista for some unique items from a variety of small businesses.
In Poway, The Barn Redefined is hosting a Saturday small business event with live farm animals and items from several small vendors, including jewelry from Tres Designs, plants from Partly Sunny Projects, candles from Be Still Candle and more.
Barn Redefined itself is a small business run by a mother-daughter team that curates unique home decor goods for the Poway community. At Christmas time, the store is filled with holiday decorations.
Find more Poway businesses here.