First Street is the place to be for your shopping needs Saturday. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

Local businesses will be opening their doors and welcoming as many customers as they can for Small Business Saturday.
After enjoying Thanksgiving and relaxing on the following Friday– if they are not swimming through crowds of people trying to score Black Friday deals–, people are encouraged to shop at independently owned businesses for Small Business Saturday. The event was started in 2010 by American Express and first officially observed in Benicia during the 2012 November season.
“We believe at Benicia Main Street that people should shop downtown for holiday gifts because down there will be different from what you can get box stores and malls,” Deborah Housman, Benicia Main Street’s event coordinator, said. “You’re going to get what I think is a more personal customer service. When you support downtown, especially our downtown, it’s helping the city as a whole.”
Some businesses may offer deals, and even some of the art galleries will be hosting special events. Businesses participating in Small Business Saturday include Angel Heart 4 You, Antiques on First, Bayside Vintage Living, Benicia Main Street, Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Bombshell Hair & Ink, Bookshop Benicia, Christina S, Dianna’s Bakery & Cafe, Elisa’s Cottage, Gallerie Renee Marie, Golden Horse Shoe, Heritage Pantry & Spice, HQ Gallery, Lindsay Art Glass; Mozart, Einstein & Me; Once Upon A Canvas, Pups ‘N’ Purrz, Roberto’s Fine Jewelry, Romancing the Home, Studio 41, The Steffen Collection, The Vintage Owl, Timeless Memories, Tina Marie’s, Urban Notions, Wellness Wisdom and Zeppelin Comics.
“We hope people will consider Small Business Saturday over Black Friday,” Housman said. “We would like people to start their shopping on Saturday with us downtown.”
For more information, go to BeniciaMain Street.org.

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