There are several reasons to shop local this holiday season, whether it’s to support neighborhood business or to find unique gifts.
This year, Small Business Saturday lands on Nov. 25. Here are seven local communities that are actively promoting shopping local and going the extra mile with giveaways, prizes, games, cocktails, music and more.
Fun fact: American Express initiated Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help encourage shoppers to support their neighborhood businesses and the annual event is now co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Carlsbad Village
The Carlsbad Village is an area with shopping, dining, services, leisure and entertainment options.
(Charlie Neuman /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Approximately $1,500 in prizes await shoppers in Carlsbad on Small Business Saturday this year. The Carlsbad Village Association has organized a celebration to promote shopping at local storefronts with free drawing and contests that include gift cards and prize packages from Carlsbad Village businesses. Also, free tote bags will be given out, while supplies last. This event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., and award-winning pianist Robert Parker will perform holiday music from noon to 3 p.m. carlsbad-village.com/events/small-business-saturday
Encinitas
More than 10 Encinitas businesses in the city’s downtown, Cardiff and Leucadia areas are offering one of four collectible posters to incentivize customers to shop across in Encinitas. Participating stores include boutiques, a pet shop, a health and wellness clinic and an eye wear company. There will also be sidewalk sales, live music and more. Also, when customers spend $25 or more at the Cardiff Farmers Market on Nov. 25, shoppers will receive a limited-edition poster from photographer Randy Podolsky. encinitaschamber.com/small-business-saturday
People walk past shops along Main Street on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 in Fallbrook, CA.
(Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Fallbrook
Fallbrook will host its annual Village Artisan Faire on Small Business Saturday. It will feature handmade artisan products and art for sale, live music, holiday treats and a free photo with Santa Claus. Nov. 25 falls on the same day as the city’s weekly farmers market, so there will also be several pop-up shopping options. This event will take place on Main Avenue in downtown Fallbrook from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. business.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/eventcalendar/Details/village-artisan-faire-785312
Downtown Escondido
A sign above Grand Avenue signalling you are entering downtown Escondido’s seven block shopping district.
(Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Looking for a fun and adventurous Small Business Saturday shopping experience? Try the Escondido Downtown Business Association bingo game. Walk, shop and eat in downtown Escondido and discover sales and giveaways, while collecting stamps to fill a bingo card. Prizes will include donations from Escondido businesses. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shoppers can pick up bingo cards at the Heritage Garden at the corner of E Grand Avenue and Juniper Street, where there will also be art activities, a photo booth, carolers and more. downtownescondido.com/small-business-saturday
North Park
Small Business Saturday is not only about supporting neighborhood shops, but also getting deals, and North Park is one place to find them. Over a dozen shops will have sales, including 10% off at North Park Nursery and a $25 gift card from Pigment after $75 is spent in the store. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria will be on hand to kick off the festivities in front of the boutique shop Mila Vintage + Modern at 11 a.m. There will also be an art exhibition at Visual Art & Supply and artisan pop-up and live music at 619 Spirits. northparkmainstreet.com/shop-local-saturday
Ocean Beach
The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association is hosting a scavenger hunt bingo game where shoppers will need to find parrot images at select businesses to win gift cards and prizes. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s annual Small Business Saturday celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The association will also have a booth in front of the OB Mall where shoppers can submit receipts of $50 or more spent at Ocean Beach businesses for a chance to win gift cards. Booth visitors can also enter to win a holiday basket. oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/annual-events/tis-season-shop-local-ob
Oceanside
Expect to be rewarded for shopping in Oceanside this Small Business Saturday and through Dec. 10 at this city’s annual ‘Tis the Season to Shop Local holiday event. Consumers will be entered to win prizes if they spend at least $50, by submitting receipts to the city’s business association Main Street Oceanside. On Nov. 25 there will be a craft beverage tasting event, a makers’ fair with handcrafted goods, a tree-lighting celebration, live holiday music, carolers and more. mainstreetoceanside.com/shop-local-oceanside
