Buy Local Santa Monica encourages the community to take part in today’s fourth annual Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide; celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the day has given small business a huge boost.
Santa Monica residents are encouraged to shop locally and take part in the Small Business Saturday events on Pico Boulevard and Montana Avenue.
Pico Winter Holiday Art Walk is from 3 pm to 9 pm on Pico Boulevard between 28th and 34th street. There will be multiple art exhibits, music, refreshments, and an appearance from Santa Clause. It is organized by the Pico Improvement Organization to help spotlight Pico’s unique small businesses and add cheer to the holiday shopping.
Montana Avenue Small Business Music Fest will take place from 10 am to 6 pm along Montana Avenue, from 7th and 17th Street. The event, organized by the Montana Avenue Merchants Association, will have live music and special promotions at local retailers to help celebrate local small businesses and the holidays.
According to the National Retail Federation, each consumer will spend approximately $750 on holiday related shopping this year.
As the holidays approach, Buy Local Santa Monica encourages you to support your local merchants. Local businesses and organizations are what make Santa Monica such a great city to live in.
Linda Greenberg Gross, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Malibu Education Foundation and a member of the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee, said shopping locally makes a difference.
“Last year, local purchases raised over $7 million for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and resulted in the ongoing operations of summer school, the employment of 43 teachers as well as funding for a SaMoHi college counselor and new textbooks,” she said. “When you’re making your holiday purchases in Santa Monica, you’re giving back to our schools and our community.”
According to Civic Economics, for every $1 spent at a local business, as much as 70 cents stays in the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditure. Spending locally ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested right here in Santa Monica.
For a list of perfect gift ideas, visit www.buylocalsantamonica.com/news-spotlights.
