Small Business Saturday: 6 San Diego Neighborhoods for Shopping Local

Black Friday is fine for deals on big-ticket items like televisions and laptops, but when it comes to buying more personal gifts, shopping at your locally-owned businesses is the way to go. Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, where many independent businesses have sales and specials, often on items made locally. Whether you hit the sales on Black Friday, or do some holiday shopping from home during Cyber Monday, make sure you get out on Saturday to support local businesses. Here are a few San Diego neighborhoods with great local shopping.

Normal Heights

Hit the annual Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll and mix your shopping with holiday-themed cocktails created by bartenders from the area’s wonderful bars and restaurants. You’ll find home furnishings, clothing, art, antiques, books and more, and there’s a free trolley to make getting around easy!

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a lively neighborhood for shopping and eating all year long, but they encourage shopping local at the holidays via a raffle at participating Hillcrest shops and restaurants. With shops offering products like vintage clothing, hair products, contemporary furniture, and artisanal home products, it’ll be easy to find gifts for others while entering to win the raffle for yourself! The event runs until December 24th, and then one lucky shopper will win a $2500 Hillcrest shopping spree.

Encinitas

Downtown Encinitas has a charming atmosphere of classic beach vibe mixed with modern shops and restaurants. Shop the 101 on Small Business Saturday throughout Cardiff, Encinitas, and Lecaudia and take advantage of sidewalk sales and local specials. There will also be live music, and limited-edition prints for sale celebrating each community.

Little Italy

If you haven’t been to Little Italy in awhile, you may not recognize it! New buildings, restaurants, and businesses have popped up rapidly over the last few years. Little Italy boutiques, shops, and art galleries stay open later than usual and offer discounts and specials on Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect day to reacquaint yourself with this terrific neighborhood.

North Park & South Park

Though they are separated by the Juniper canyon, the two neighborhoods share an eclectic vibe with great restaurants, craft beer, and locally owned shops. Work your way down 30th street and easily check records, books, vintage home items, candles, paper goods, and unique clothing and shoes for men, women, and kids off your gift list. Bonus—there are plenty of places to grab a drink and a snack along the way to keep your energy up.

Ocean Beach

The funky beach neighborhood is loaded with locally-owned boutiques and shops. Pick up some surf gear, trendy clothing, records, or jewelry, then treat yourself to a fish taco at the classic South Beach Bar & Grill.

Shopping local is easy—and fun— in these San Diego neighborhoods, so get out on Saturday, November 30th to support the businesses in your community.

Check out more articles about San Diego activities at Scrippsamg.com