The fifth annual Small Business Saturday will be held this weekend – an event celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving, dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide.
Santa Monica residents are encouraged to shop locally and take part in the city’s Small Business Saturday event from 10 am to 6 pm along Montana Avenue, from 7th to 17th Street.
The event, organized by the Montana Avenue Merchants Association, will feature live music and special promotions at local retailers to help celebrate local small businesses and the holidays.
As the holidays approach, Buy Local Santa Monica encourages residents to support local merchants.
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,” Greenberg Gross said. “When you’re making your holiday purchases in Santa Monica, you’re giving back to our schools and our community.”
Jennifer Taylor, Chair of the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee, encouraged locals to buy local, eat local, and play local.
“Santa Monica has over 9,000 businesses, with something perfect for everyone, and it’s convenient,” Taylor said. “Thank you for supporting our local businesses and our community.”
For a list of perfect gift ideas, visit www.buylocalsantamonica.com/perfectgift.
Small Business Saturday also marks the kick-off to Buy Local for the holiday festivities, including a citywide “Buy Local for Holidays” Sidewalk Sale Dec. 5-7 and free community events. For details, visit www.buylocalsm.com/events.
