The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we shop this year. San Diegans have been encouraged to "shop small" and support local businesses to help them during the pandemic.
Small Business Saturday is a national shopping event that encourages residents to shop at independently-owned businesses in their neighborhoods. It's a big deal for the people behind the storefronts.
On Small Business Saturday, many of those retailers and restaurants are enticing shoppers to their doors with promises of deals and holiday fun. So, whether your searching for the perfect gift or looking for decorations to deck the halls, grab your shopping list and visit one of these neighborhoods on Nov. 28.
Downtown Cardiff
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit downtown Cardiff where you’ll find sidewalk sales, local specials, and pop-up shops. A limited edition print will be gifted to shoppers who make a purchase at certain businesses on Small Business Saturday.
For more details and a list of participating stores, click here.
Little Italy
Little Italy is celebrating Small Business Saturday until the end of December. Some locally owned business will be offering in-store specials and discounts for shoppers to enjoy, including longer business hours.
To view a list of participating businesses, click here.
Local
Mission Hills
This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, while a centralized Shop Small event will not be taking place, the Mission Hills BID will continue to be a strong advocate by spreading the word to Shop Small all season long in order to help support our local businesses.
For more details, click here.
One Paseo
One Paseo in Del Mar has the perfect mix of large national tenants and small local businesses. The center features a selection of approximately 40 carefully curated shops and restaurants, including several locally-owned boutique businesses.
For further details, click here.
Carlsbad
The solopreneurs, Mom and Pop shops, and small family businesses are front and center as shoppers return to “main street” for good old fashioned customer service and exceptional variety.
With the health pandemic making group gatherings and events prohibitive this year, the Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) decided to host an innovative and interactive Treasure Hunt game instead that would enable individual shoppers, couples, and family units the opportunity to experience downtown Carlsbad and get to know the Village businesses, history, and iconic places a little bit better. The game will culminate at the conclusion of the Small Business Saturday weekend.
To view a list of participating businesses, click here.
Oceanside
Oceanside is celebrating Small Business Saturday all month long until December 20. Residents can support by participating local businesses safely and early in store and online. Oceanside will also be providing a "Downtown Coupon Book" from local shops.
To view a list of participating businesses, click here.
Escondido
Curbside pickup and shipping are available for online purchases. In-person shopping is also encouraged within the current COVID-19 guidelines. Participating businesses include restaurants, breweries, a meadery, bridal boutiques, salons, art galleries, jewelry, clothing boutiques. Shoppers can win prizes by exploring the neighborhood and collecting stamps in their Escondido Small Business Saturday passport when they make a purchase.
There are so many small business shopping opportunities across San Diego County. Other neighborhoods supporting Small Business Saturday include Adams Avenue, North Park, Logan Heights, San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, and in Poway.
To find more small businesses near you, try the American Express Shop Small Map.
Online
Chances are, someone you know is part of a small business. To find out, go to your Facebook page and search “Small Business Saturday.” Narrow your search to "your friends" and discover some great small businesses to support within your own friend group.
