Shop Small In Los Alamitos In November, December

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Shop small is a tradition in Los Alamitos. One of Orange County's smallest burgs, it is a tight knit community of people who make a habit of helping others. Never has there been more of a need for "shopping small" than 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

No one knows this better than shopkeeper Toni Rae, owner of Los Alamitos vintage craft store Vintdustrial. Rae has seen her share of ups and downs since the coronavirus shut her store down in March.

She is preparing for reopening small art classes Friday and Saturday, which is a cornerstone of her store. Here, she curates home decor treasures, DIY Paint, and holds home decor consultations with her customers. Still, it is her workshops that her clients miss the most.

"Customers have been waiting for them and finally they are back," Rae said over social media. "We are practicing social distancing to keep all of our amazing shop friends safe!"

Now, Rae is getting ready for Shop Small Saturday. She is once again hopeful that shoppers will find those special gifts among the items she's carefully curated.

"Residents are encouraged to shop local not only on Small Business Saturday, but the entire month of November and December," a city spokesperson said.

"Small businesses are a leading part of our local economy, and these important businesses in our community have been through difficult times this year."

Los Alamitos has an amazing variety of small businesses like gift stores, hair salons, bakeries, restaurants, and businesses such as Tribe Fitness, that has served our residents through their exceptional fitness program for over five years now.

Founded in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement that helps bring attention to the importance of supporting small businesses across America. Each year, Los Alamitos businesses and shoppers join over 100 million people participating on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Acting Deputy City Manager Ron Noda discussed the all-important shopping event that he hopes will boost the local economy.

"This is the 11th year of Small Business Saturday, and it is a particularly important occasion to help the folks who own these businesses," Noda wrote in a statement.

Small Business Saturday offers owners, community supporters, and shoppers multiple ways to become a champion for the cause.

The City of Los Alamitos encourages you to shop small at our local stores and restaurants in the month on November and December.

"Shop Small is a movement to honor these businesses every day and to help communities prosper and stay sustainable nationwide," Noda says. "We ask Los Alamitos residents to spread the word about the importance of shopping small on Small Business Saturday and all year long."

Find Vintdustrial at 10621 Los Alamitos Boulevard.

Where will you shop small? Let Patch know in comments or by email what are your favorite Los Alamitos shops in advance of the holiday season.