Small Business Saturday
First celebrated in Massachusetts in 2010 to help boost The Bay State’s mom and pop stores, Small Business Saturday takes place this year on Nov. 26. According to the Orange County of Chamber Commerce website, on average, for every dollar spent in our community, 60 cents stays in the community. Fortunately, Newport Beach makes giving to the local economy easy with its array of fun shopping options. Here is where you can take advantage this weekend:
Come Together
Several Irvine Company shopping centers in Newport Beach have banded together to offer cash rewards. Earn a $10 gift card for every $100 you spend when you shop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at any small business located in one of these participating outdoor malls. You’re sure to cross off everyone on your list at these destinations, which feature everything from fine jewelry to fancy fare and confections. (Holiday bonus: Drop by the Open House event at each location for complementary refreshments, fare and additional in-store specials.
Harbor View Shopping Center (San Joaquin Hills Road and San Miguel Drive); Newport North Shopping Center (Bison Avenue and Camelback Street); The Bluffs Shopping Center (MacArthur Boulevard and Bison Avenue); Corona del Mar Plaza (MacArthur Boulevard and Coast Highway); Crystal Cove Shopping Center (East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive); Newport Coast Shopping Center (San Joaquin Hills Road and Newport Coast Drive); and Newport Hills Shopping Center (San Miguel Drive and Ford Road).
A trip to B.Candy in Corona del Mar is like an adventure to Willy Wonka’s — with cotton candy clouds, ice cream cone chairs, and a world of colors, flavors and fun items for kids. Mention Small Business Saturday when you visit, and you’ll get a buy one, get one free ice cream special. 3100 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar
At Holly Sharp Boutique, find “California Beach Couture” — and 20 percent off of all clothing and footwear during Small Business Saturday’s Girl Blast event, also featuring sweet treats and local jewelry designer Labrisa, who will host a trunk show with her collection. 3636 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar
Charlie & Me, a “boutique for the hip dog” in Lido Marina Village, carrying everything for Fido from fashion and toys to food storage and bedding, will host a Sip and Shop event: Slurp Prosecco and earn 10 percent off of your purchase. 3505 B Via Oporto, Newport Beach
Balboa Island’s Art for the Soul, a curated collection of colorful jewelry, art, quote boards and other home décor pieces from independent artists, will offer free journals and decorative letters to customers who make a purchase. 210 Marine Ave., Newport Beach
At the old-fashioned Balboa Candy shop in Balboa Village, find the area’s largest assortment of saltwater taffy, retro sweets like Razzles and Mallo Cups, and every current candy treat you can imagine — along with a 10 percent discount on Small Business Saturday. 304 Main St., Newport Beach.