delivery, and through private appointments. Virtual shopping has also diversified to include video tours, FaceTime, and Facebook Live shopping experiences. Out-of-town grandparents, other family members, and friends can also shop locally this year by purchasing e-gift cards from a spectrum of local small businesses that can be gifted to grandchildren and others. Remote shoppers can also check off their lists by purchasing items from a local shop’s website for delivery or in-store pickup. Such purchasing creates an economic ripple effect that benefits everyone in Alameda.
This holiday season invites us to venture outside with a purpose, to locate the ideal read, thoughtful toy, or brilliant bouquet for those we care about. Alameda’s impressive array of independent stores presents a gift to the community, the ability to select a signature gift from an independent merchant. When you shop locally, your community shines as bright as the smiles on the faces of your gift recipients. Visit the Alameda shopping site to plot your local adventure.
More from Alameda
Schedule a private shopping appointment
Buy something extra
Spread the word to out-of-town relatives that they can buy e-gift cards redeemable at local stores
Shop locally online, many Alameda stores have gone digital
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Ullupta num quam simaximperio tes atquid quo enet il invelitis porrum es ea atus quas aut fugit eturis ut dollabo. Duscim que nimendeni eturis ut
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Ullupta num quam simaximperio tes atquid quo enet il invelitis porrum es ea atus quas aut fugit eturis ut dollabo. Duscim que nimendeni eturis ut
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Ullupta num quam simaximperio tes atquid quo enet il invelitis porrum es ea atus quas aut fugit eturis ut dollabo. Duscim que nimendeni eturis ut
At Home
for the Holidays?
Perfect Time to
Support Alameda Retailers
toy
Safari
Lilac Dress Boutique
Feathered Outlaw
Dandelion Flower Shop
Support Your
Neighborhood Stores
ow, more than ever, it’s crucial that we look out for our neighbors. One of the easiest ways to do that is to check off the items on your holiday wish list at local shops and eateries. Not only does your business directly support local shopkeepers, merchants, and restauranteurs, but studies show that for every $100 spent at a small business, $67 stays in the community.
N
Strength In Neighbors
The Outdoor Movement
“When someone buys locally-grown flowers from me, they’re supporting our schools and neighbors,” says Karim Preuss, founder of Dandelion Flower Shop, in the historical Webster Street district of Alameda.
Meanwhile, Preuss and her fellow Alameda shop owners are looking out for us. They have followed public health recommendations to make in-person and virtual shopping experiences safe and enjoyable. For online shoppers, they’ve expanded virtual and remote options to include video tours and FaceTime and Facebook Live shopping experiences. Many businesses now offer same-day curbside pickup or will deliver direct to your doorstep. Even out-of-town family and friends can send Alameda magic this year by purchasing e-gift cards for the loved ones on their lists. Shoppers at some outlets can even schedule private shopping experiences. Spending local is truly a gift to the community.
Toy Safari
Daisy's Mercantile
Helping shoppers to safely venture outside, the City of Alameda has restriped Webster and Park Streets to create more room for physically-distanced outdoor dining and open-air shopping at newly created parklets. More space for outdoor dining is set up on Alameda Avenue at Park Street and at the Webster Street and Taylor lot.
In addition to safety and convenience, Alameda also has the variety to satisfy every family member and loved one on your holiday shopping list:
For homewares, look to Daisy’s Mercantile, a popular boutique and parklet on Park Street. Owner Barbara Mooney uses what she’s learned in previous careers as a caterer and event planner to spice up any space with a variety of gifts. From succulent plants and colorful throws to cookbooks and candles, each item is hand-selected by Mooney or her husband or daughter, all of whom run this family business together. Even though Daisy’s is the place to go for all things interior, the Mooneys newly created outdoor parklet acts as an open-air market with local artisans including jewelry designers and ceramicists. And it’s an ideal spot to sit down for lunch with a friend.
Daisy’s also provides virtual-tours and accommodates private shopping appointments for those who wish to have an extra-safe shopping experience.
“Most of Alameda’s shop owners also live in town,” says Mooney. “That’s about as local as it gets.”
Webster Street’s Feathered Outlaw is also taking a community approach by providing an outdoor dining space as well as a night market with up to 13 local vendors spaced apart and selling one-of-a-kind items. Inside, the woman-owned sacred lifestyle boutique offers lunar calendars, tarot-themed candles, or a cauldron of other curiosities. The store’s metaphysical classes remain online and their expert staff and annotated website will steer you in the right direction on your spiritual journey. In addition to its regular hours Tuesday through Sunday, Feathered Outlaw is offering curbside pick-up as well as free delivery throughout Alameda and Oakland.
“Independent business support is what makes our small town special,” says owner Marie Ortega.
For the bibliophile in the family, Books Inc. still blossoms as a beloved independent bookseller. The Park Street anchor business continues to host virtual book discussions and author presentations. Whether you’re looking for mysteries, biographies, or any other genre, the “West’s Oldest Independent Bookseller” offers something for every reader on your list.
“Lots of people are adding physical books to their shelves,” says Andy Perum, CEO of Books Inc. “They are a relief from stress and screen time.”
The Lilac Dress Boutique is home to designer bridalwear, dresses, accessories, and menswear. Inside, you’ll find that perfect item among a rotating list of 20 contemporary women’s labels and almost a dozen designers for men. Loads of accessories make for easy gift-giving, too.
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Books Inc.
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supports gardeners
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LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Open Air
Alameda Ave.
Al Fresco at
Taylor & Webster
Sponsored by
Follow THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
#SpendLocalAlameda
dandelionflowershop.com
1548 Webster St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-2275
Dandelion Flower Shop
featheredoutlaw.com
1506 Webster St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 239-4593
Feathered
Outlaw
lilacdressboutique.com
1918 Encinal Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-2544
Lilac Dress Boutique
daisysmercantile.com
1347 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-6443
Daisy's
Mercantiles
toysafaritoys.com
1410 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-1723
Toy
Safari
booksinc.net/Alameda
1344 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-2226
Books
Inc.
Tour the world
with global cuisine
in Alameda
The aforementioned Dandelion Flower Shop remains the go-to for fresh-cut flowers and small gifts. Browse in-store or online, then select same-day delivery Tuesday through Friday. (Saturday delivery requires 24-hour notice.)
And it wouldn’t be the holidays without toys. The staff at Alameda’s Toy Safari picks every item with great attention to detail. Inspired by the belief that the well-matched toy provides “access to new realms of discovery, understanding, and engagement with the world,” the 30-year playtime emporium remains open with the most sought-after new toys along with collectibles. The staff guides, understanding that physical distancing can be challenging for the younger set, have reconfigured the store to provide a safe place on Park Street to explore.
"You’re not going to get toy store visit memories from a computer,” says Helen Dean of Toy Safari.
Local shoppers and people shopping for locals won’t make memories by shopping at big box stores or giant online warehouses. Instead, help spread holiday cheer by thinking of your family and your neighbors, and shopping and dining safely in town. By spending locally, you are ending 2020 by giving a gift to your community.
Featured Gift
People want vibrant and happy flowers this season
LEARN MORE
Featured Gift
Self-care is very popular this year. Fnd your favorite bath and body products, scented candles, jewelry, books and tarot cards, and much more.
LEARN MORE
Featured Gift
One word: CASHMERE.
Featured Gift
A handblown ornament from Germany featuring Santa wearing a mask.
LEARN MORE
Featured Gift
Nostalgic toys are very popular, including puzzles, art sets, board games, and tactile things like stuffed animals.
LEARN MORE
Featured Gift
Pick up the perfect gift for the book lover in your life this holiday
Independent books
that span the
reading genres
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Hand chosen toys
that put the child’s curiosity first
A curated shop of
hand-crafted gifts & home furnishings
Select fashion from
over 25 top designers, jewelry too
Curios from tarot cards to unique gothic jewelry
Heirloom arrangements created from locally sourced flowers
Parklet is a term now more widely used. A parklet is an extension sidewalk into a parking space where stores, restaurants, and other services provide an open-air, outdoor experience. It is an amenity meant to enhance safety, experience, and in this specific case, the support of community businesses. During this time, two other fresh-air, community dining areas have emerged in Alameda – Open Air Alameda Ave and Al Fresco at Taylor and Webster Streets.
Photos by Laura Morton and Maurice Ramirez.
ow, more than ever, it’s crucial that we look out for our neighbors. One of the easiest ways to do that is to check off the items on your holiday wish at local shops and eateries. Not only does your business directly support local shopkeepers, merchants, and restauranteurs, but studies show that for every $100 spent at a small business, $68 stays in the community.
Tour the world
with global cuisine
in Alameda
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Explore Alameda
Sponsored by:
THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
Sponsored by:
THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
Shop locally online, many Alameda stores have gone
digital
Approximately of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the local community.
67
Contribute to Alameda Strong Relief Fund
Schedule
a private shopping appointment
v
Buy something extra when shopping this holiday season
Buy e-gift cards redeemable at local stores
Order
curbside pick-up for convenient,
same-day delivery
Pictures from Taylor and Webster Street.
Pictures from Alameda Ave.
6 Ways to Support and Shop Local
What's Open, Alameda?
Support your local businesses!
Click for a directory of Alameda restaurants, retailers, and other businesses that are currently open.
One word: Cashmere
Contribute to Alameda Strong Community Relief Grant