The best Small Business Saturday yet

The holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday, when big-box retailers roll out their biggest deals. But the following day offers something even better: an opportunity to celebrate the independent businesses that give our communities their character, create local jobs, and make our downtowns places people love to visit.

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010, encourages shoppers to look beyond the big retailers and discover the locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses that make each community unique. First recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2011, the movement has grown into a nationwide tradition—and one that matters more than ever to the small businesses that keep our local economies thriving.

Consider what Carlsbad Village would look like without its independent boutiques, neighborhood restaurants, specialty shops, salons, galleries, and one-of-a-kind gathering places. We would lose more than places to shop and dine. We would lose the personal connections, unexpected discoveries, and distinctive experiences that make our downtown feel like home.

That’s the power of shopping small. When you spend money at a locally owned business, you’re supporting your neighbors, helping sustain local jobs, and investing in the future of our community. You’re also helping ensure that the next time you stroll through the Village, there will be something unique to discover, a favorite shop to revisit, and another reason to stay awhile.

At the Carlsbad Village Association, supporting our brick-and-mortar businesses is at the heart of what we do every day. Small Business Saturday gives us a chance to celebrate them in a big way—and we invite you to join us!

Celebrate with us on Saturday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and State Street for an afternoon filled with live music, shopping and dining discounts, and plenty of festive surprises.

There will be more than $2,000 in gift cards up for grabs through our popular Gift Card Giveaway Tree, including $100 gift cards to some of our favorite Village restaurants and retailers. The first 150 people to check in at our booth will also receive a reusable canvas tote bag—perfect for carrying home your local finds.

Two popular activities are returning this year, too! Our retail scavenger hunt will introduce you to some of the Village’s hidden gems, with a completed hunt earning you an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. And the Pint Glass Treasure Hunt, co-sponsored by Barrio Glassworks and Pure Project, is back by popular demand.

Whether you come for the shopping, the prizes, the music, or simply a fun afternoon in downtown Carlsbad, you’ll be doing something that makes a difference. Every purchase, every meal, and every visit helps keep our small-business community strong.

This holiday season, give your shopping dollars a local destination. Discover something special, meet the people behind the businesses, and celebrate the community that makes Carlsbad Village uniquely ours.

Visit carlsbad-village.com/shopsmall
for event details. We look forward to
celebrating with you!