Shop local, support small businesses on 'Small Business Saturday'
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU/BCN) - Black Friday may be over but the holiday shopping season is just beginning. Today there's a push to shop local and support small businesses, as many independent shops open for “Small Business Saturday.”
Pop-up stores, special offers and refreshments are available to customers of many of these
businesses in San Francisco, sponsors said.
It's year number eight for this event that has spread across the country. Last year more than 112 million people shopped and dined small. The idea is to support the local businesses and keep the money circulating in our community.
The Museum of Ice Cream on Grant Avenue will offer installations where shoppers can take selfies and sweet treats from local vendors.
Clement Street, the major shopping area of the city's Richmond district, is holding a Small Business Saturday Kids Edition. On Fillmore Street, shoppers can shop at pop-ups and enjoy music
and snacks all day.
The primary goal is to get more holiday shoppers in the door, especially as more people turn to online shopping. Small Business Saturday is always celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It helps shine a light on those independent places that keep the community thriving. For many first timers - it makes them want to shop small and shop local all year round.
Here are some of the top ways to celebrate Small Business Saturday:
• At Pier 35 there's a holiday pop-up market featuring 200 different sellers.
• The Museum of Ice Cream on Grant Avenue you can enjoy sweet treats from local vendors.
• Clement Street Merchants Association is hosting a kid’s edition of Small Business Saturday where you can stroll the street with a treasure map and visit young merchants.
• Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association has a selfie contest for shoppers. If you post a selfie, you could get discounts to local stores.
• Filmore Merchant Association also has pop-ups, live music and free snacks all day.
• In Oakland, OwlNWood will also have pop-up places featuring art and jewelry, and free Red Bay Coffee.
Many of these mom and pop shops will be offering discounts, too, so it's a great time to get out and see what's local in your neighborhood. And maybe you’ll cross a few things off that holiday shopping list.