According to American Express when you shop at independent, locally owned businesses, 52% of what you spend stays right in your community, which supports local organizations and services.
Besides the opportunity to help your local business community thrive, you will also have a selection of unique gifts - most of the times not available in big box retailers - when you choose to shop local this holiday season.
As a long-time Westside resident and a fan of small shops, I find it my duty to share a few of my favorite independent retailers that are perfect for your Holiday shopping.
Music Fan
Record Surplus
12436 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Now housed in a smaller, yet cleaner and easier to navigate location, Record Surplus is a music lovers dream. Not as daunting as an Eastside shop that gets all the press, this location has amazing employees that know their stuff. Want to find a rare vintage vinyl? They will help you source it. Want to gift a unique CD? They will help you discover new bands.
Eco Vanity
Palmetto
1034 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I discovered this beauty boutique in the late 90's, and found myself chatting away with a few celebrities as we compared notes on healthy skin care - before it was popular to care. Since then, I return to Palmetto's when I need a unique gift that is not only beautiful, but good for the skin. I have also discovered indie brands before they were popular (Le sigh), and found myself gawking at vintage hair accessories.
Bling-Bling
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers
1055 Westwood Blvd.
Westwood Village
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Dinner in Westwood Village usually includes a stop to this gem of a shop (no pun intended). Although I have yet to buy a piece here, I have never been turned away for simply window shopping. I have found that their personalized service coupled with rare and unique pieces make Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers "the" place to find a special gift. (hint-hint).
DIY
Sewing Arts Center
3330 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Some folks love fashion, while some folks live and breath fashion. This is the store for "those" of us. From hand dyed fabric, to a large selection of Berninas (Yes, "THE" Bernina sewing machine), Sewing Arts Center also offers classes, books and other accessories for the DIY fashionista on your Holiday shopping list.
Nerdest
Diesel Book Store
225 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
I admit - I only recently found out that Diesel Book Store is part of a mini-chain, but still an independent bookstore. If you've been to my apartment, you have probably seen at least three books on my coffee table, and many others throughout our home, that were purchased Diesel. Why? Because I can find unique books, limited-print cook-books, and speak to book readers that "get it" when I shop here. This shop also have a good selection of kid books and unique gifts for the nerd in all of us.
Happy Holidays everyone - remember to shop small!!
