SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Wedged in between the rush on malls of Black Friday and the online giants of Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday.
San Diego’s independent retailers are hoping to win some of your holiday shopping dollars and earn recognition for what they do for their neighborhoods. Some areas are hosting street fairs while others will have deals and longer store hours.
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express to support small stores. An average of 67 cents for every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community, according to the company.
NORTH COUNTY COASTAL
Cardiff 101, Encinitas 101 and Leucadia 101 Main Street have teamed up for their biggest Small Business Saturday yet. Look for live music, sidewalk sales, limited edition art and a beer garden in Cardiff. Many stores have special offers and giveaways. Events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CHULA VISTA
Visit jewelry stores and bakeries in Chula Vista before stopping at a restaurant or brewery along Third Avenue, the historic downtown area. Read more
OCEAN BEACH
The Ocean Beach Main Street Association is welcoming shoppers with a day of interactive arts and music pop-ups. The event, now in its ninth year, will feature a walk-through sculpture, magic show, and Instagram opportunities like a ‘Greetings from Ocean Beach’ giant postcard. The activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street business districts. Read more
LITTLE ITALY
Little Italy is known for its boutiques and art galleries along with fantastic food. The community association is welcoming shoppers to pick up a “Shop Small, Shop Little Italy” passport at local businesses. Expect big discounts and later hours at stores. Read more
NORTH PARK
The North Park Main Street association has freebies for shoppers on Small Business Saturday. Bring your receipts to the booth at the corner of University Avenue and Ray Street to receive a mug, t-shirt, or Bluetooth speaker. Many of the community’s popular restaurants also have discounts on gift cards. Read more
HILLCREST
Spending big at Hillcrest’s shops and restaurants? Anyone who has a receipt for a purchase of $15 or more can receive a Shop Small gift bag filled with more than $100 in gift certificates and giveaways like beauty products, coffee drinks and meals at neighborhood restaurants. You can look for the Shop Small Welcome Station at the Rite Aid parking lot at Fifth Avenue and Robinson from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more
EL CAJON
East County takes Small Business Saturday to new heights with Holiday Lights on Main. You can see live music, go ice skating, or visit Santa’s Village in addition to shopping. Events run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Main Street. The Christmas tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Read more
ESCONDIDO
Shop, eat, drink and play all day in downtown Escondido! You can pick up a free shopping bag with special offers at one of several welcome stations. You can also enter to win free tickets to a show at California Center for the Arts. Read more
OCEANSIDE
Shop and sip in downtown Oceanside, where wineries and breweries have ‘Sip Stops’ to enhance your holiday shopping experience. You can also enjoy live music and special offers at stores. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. with tickets available at the Oceanside Museum. Read more
LA JOLLA
Wave to the Children’s Pool seals and spend your Saturday enjoying La Jolla’s boutiques! Independent store owners have special offers for you at locations in downtown La Jolla and near the Cove from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more
Find other small businesses participating in Shop Small here.
