Small Business Saturday: Downtown Danville highlights local shops

DANVILLE, Calif. (KGO) — Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday. In Danville, the streets were buzzing with the holiday vibe, as Small Business Saturday kicked off the holiday season.

Melinda Shaw and Art Cano are committed to shopping locally.

“Actually, it’s our third city. We did three cities today to support them. So we started in Livermore, worked our way to Dublin, and then came to Danville,” Shaw said.

She said it’s easy to shop online, but hitting the streets this time of year is different.

“I love the boutiques. I love people trying to make it. It’s very important we go out to support, ‘cuz they do an amazing job,” said Shaw, who lives in Tracy.

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Hartz Avenue in Danville is lined with boutiques and specialty stores like Whim House. The store sells items from around the world. And this year, that’s meant tariffs.

“It has been a dumpy year. It really has been. We have been navigating tariffs all year long, trying to stay ahead of them, stocking up before the tariff hits. There are couple things we couldn’t bring in because of tariffs,” said Keva Dodd, owner of Whim House.

Dodd says a day devoted to small business is important, especially in this economy. They were offering a free gift to customers with each purchase on Saturday.

She’s had a steady flow of shoppers, like Lorrie and Alisson Arvin. They want to support local businesses and are looking for unique gift items.

“I would say that it is really nice to come to a local business with a local owner, as opposed to buying something online. And that’s why she wanted to buy the gift here. It’s unique and different and special,” said Lorrie Arvin, a Walnut Creek resident.

Small Business Saturday began in 2010. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 36 million independent retails across the county.

Data from the Town of Danville shows that nearly 90% of Danville businesses are less than 20 employees; 70% are less than five employees. For these mom and pops, Small Business Saturday really helps.

Cashmere Sale is a pop-up store that’s open through December. They, too, were offering discounts to shoppers, hoping to boost business.

“We have so much competition online and at the big malls. And so, we encourage our direct public to come and shop small. Shop in your neighborhood,” said Jacquie Kunsman, co-manager at Cashmere Sale.

Some stores are offering discounts through Sunday.