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Where to Shop Small Biz in San Diego

2014 November 26
by WWGD

ShopPigmentSanDiego

One of my favorite aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday is the relatively new (I mean, new compared to Thanksgiving itself…) concept of Small Business Saturday.

It’s an antidote of sorts to Black Friday, originally conceptualized by American Express, and encourages us to shop small, independently owned retailers whenever we can, and particularly on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. To cleanse ourselves, and the economy, from the mayhem of Black Friday.

I am not a big Black Friday person for many reasons, but always find a way to sneak out on Small Business Saturday to support my local economy and pick up some truly treasured finds for the holidays, so I thought I would share my favorite places to shop small in San Diego this year:

Pigment in North Park. One of the coolest independent retailers in the city, packed with fun finds for the home, beauty, gifts and more.

The Library Shop at the new(ish) San Diego Central Library. Erin and her team have curated the chicest little shopping space in a corner of the library’s main floor, perfect for book lovers and trend hunters alike.

Lone Flag in Del Mar. Injecting a little city vibe into Del Mar’s beach scene, Lone Flag is the brainchild of Sam Larson (whose wife Kelli I met earlier this year at a Madewell event and instantly adored) and stocks great local and non-local brands for men, women and the home.

Aura Candles. This lovely line of hand-poured, custom-blended soy candles is made by two amazing moms in North County who put so much amazing passion into their work. Their “Merry” scent is a true must-have for the holidays and you can find it (and all their other yummy scents) in various local boutiques or online here.

Aloha Sunday. I just like these guys. Their stores (in North Park and Leucadia) are cool and simple and well stocked with a thoughtful mix of must-haves for the man in your life.

Univ in Encinitas. Tim owns one of the most unique little shops in North County, filled flawlessly with a mix of cool, under the radar brands and local homegrown favorites like Brixton and Raen. They also have their own signature collection of stylish staples for men, including this new Encinitas hat that should be propped under every tree in the county this year.

Be sure to get out there and support your small business friends in your community this weekend – every purchase truly makes such a difference to the men and women who pour their souls into their work. And if that’s not a great way to kick off the holiday season, I don’t know what is 🙂

*image above via Shop Pigment

One Response
  1. November 26, 2014

    Three cheers for San Diego! I love how our fair city is the perfect blend of small town and metropolis. You picked great shops for this piece.

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