When one thinks of Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue, images of a happening street come to mind: chic boutiques, trendy art galleries, and eclectic gourmet restaurants.
However, the retail businesses that make up Montana Avenue consist of small business owners and Santa Monica residents who have a strong sense of community.
This Saturday, Nov. 30 marks Montana Avenue’s first year to participate in the national event, “Small Business Saturday.”
The event will be held from 10 am to 6 pm and run from 6th Street to 17th Street.
Many of the shops will participate with events offering discounts and specials throughout the day.
Live music will be featured as well as DJs and refreshments.
Ten Women Gallery is an artist-run cooperative that is celebrating its second year on Montana.
Featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, and more, the gallery showcases original works by its members.
Artist Kara Taub, a local Santa Monica resident and member of Ten Women Gallery, explains, “Montana Avenue has many small independent businesses that exist nowhere else. Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for people to explore what local, neighborhood businesses have to offer in a relaxed and leisurely way.”
Ten Women Gallery will offer a one-day sale, a raffle, and more. It is located at 1128 Montana Ave. Visit tenwomengallery.com.
Stacy Johnson, a fashion designer and owner of Shop Stacia, has had her business in Santa Monica for more than 10 years.
“I think it’s a great event that focuses on small businesses which are often left out with the traditional Black Friday rush that features more big box retailers,” says Johnson. “It’s a great opportunity for the local community to support the small businesses they love in their own neighborhood.” Shop Stacia is located at 808 11th Street. Visit shopstacia.com.
To Wag For will hold a special adoption event for kitties and pups. In addition, customers who make a purchase on Small Business Saturday will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a free grooming and pet goodie bag. Bring in your pooch to create a Pawcasso paw painting to take home. It is located at 1123 Montana Avenue. Visit towagfor.com.
PLATINO, a fashion boutique, has been part of the Montana community since 1999. “The neighborhood is always evolving with new stores and new residents, both of which are always welcome,” says owner Sabine Lehman. “The old-timers (stores and residents) are a very close group. It’s like living in a village, which we all love!” It is located at 909 Montana Avenue. Visit platino909.com.
Quatrine Custom Furniture will also be participating in the Small Business Saturday event.
“As a relatively new store in the area, I find that people in Santa Monica truly care for their local community which is such an empowering feeling,” says showroom manager Nicole Garcia. “And we, of course, pay back by referring our clients to local businesses as well.” It is located at 1402 Montana Avenue. Visit quatrine.com.
For more information and a full list of shops participating in the event, visit montanaave.com.
