Downtown SLO is proud to support local small businesses for Small Business Saturday on November 24, 2018 and will once again be promoting our Passport Program. Shoppers can pick up a Shop Small Passport at any participating location and get a stamp with each purchase. Those who receive eight stamps and turn in their passport to a drop-off location will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a gift basket filled with gift cards to downtown businesses, generously donated by the businesses themselves. Completed passports can be dropped off by 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 24 at Femme Jules D., HumanKind Fair Trade, Hands Gallery, Downtown SLO or Picking Daisies. The winner of the gift basket will be announced at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Mission Plaza at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018.
Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express in an effort to support local communities and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. According to the Office of Advocacy and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state of California has 3.7 million small businesses employing 6.7 million people, or nearly half of the private workforce.
This year participating businesses include: Downtown SLO, Len Collective, Growing Grounds Downtown, Fanny Wrappers, Ambiance, EcoBambino, Dune Central Coast Modern, Chamber of Commerce, Hands Gallery, Picking Daisies, SLO Sweets, Karson Butler Events at the Ah Louis Store, Adore Boutique, Tails Pet Boutique, Change of a Dress, Takkens, Jules D., Femme Jules D., San Luis Traditions, Boo Boo Records, B. Anthony and Co., Blackwater, HumanKind Fair Trade, Bike SLO County, The Sock Drawer, Urban Optics, Central Coast Surfboards, Junk Girls, Bella B. and Celadon House.
Downtown SLO is also pleased to announce its new gift box program, which will also be launching on Small Business Saturday at our new office and retail shop located at 1135 Chorro Street. These limited-edition gift boxes feature products from your favorite Downtown stores and memorabilia from local icons and experiences, as well as goods from the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. Boxes feature eco-friendly products, holiday ornaments, tasty treats, garments and other unique gift items.
Additionally, SLO Transit will also be offering FREE bus service on Small Business Saturday. Free bus service makes it easy for the public to access the many locally owned shops and restaurants within the City of San Luis Obispo. By riding the bus, the public can also help alleviate the demand for parking during the busy holiday shopping season.
SLO Transit will be operating on a weekend schedule on Saturday, November 24. Routes 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A will be in service from approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The public can make connections to SLO Transit routes all day with free bus service.
For more information, please visit our website at DowntownSLO.com or contact Zoya Dixon, Communication & Content Manager, at Zoya@DowntownSLO.com or call (805) 234-9675.
About Downtown SLO:
Downtown SLO is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1975 whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant Downtown. Downtown SLO serves the community by working on initiatives like parking and beautification efforts, coordinating special events and the weekly Farmers’ Market, supporting economic activities and examining Downtown issues.