Encinitas 101, Leucadia 101 and Cardiff 101 MainStreet associations, along with the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, will hold this year’s small business event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m along the highway and at Cardiff Town Center.
This year’s small business event comes as the county’s recent purple tier status has once again forced shops and restaurants outdoors, facing an uncertain holiday retail season complicated by an economic recession and relentless pandemic.
All three associations have adjusted their respective functions in accordance with public health orders, moving events outdoors, requiring mask compliance, as well as socially distancing any type of retail stands or food trucks.
Irene Puyn, executive director of Encinitas 101, reiterated the importance of shopping small and local.
“This holiday season, we want to emphasize the importance of supporting small businesses,” Puyn said. “By shopping small, you’re also supporting your town, city and neighborhood.”
“Each community has big sales to highlight the artisans and local businesses that make our Encinitas communities so great,” Pyun said. “Leucadia 101 will be displaying window decals done by local artist Nikki Hess to show who will be participating in all the festivities that day. Cardiff 101 will be promoting a bingo card shopping game to put a fun twist on supporting local businesses.
“Downtown Encinitas 101 will be hosting musicians along historic highway 101 to liven up the shopping weekend. Lastly, the Chamber of Commerce will be giving away gift cards to local businesses leading up to the event via their Instagram account.”
Leucadia 101 Executive Director Annika Walden recommends residents attend Leucadia 101’s event walk from south to north on Coast Highway 101, visiting shops along the way and following along with the L101’s Gift Guide.
“Every business is doing something special, whether it’s a discount or in-store raffle,” Walden said. “We’re also going to be handing out surprise and delight items, including gift cards to local restaurants and retailers if anyone comes down to the Leucadia downtown district found wearing their masks.”
Cardiff 101 organization will be hosting a bingo card event, encouraging residents to visit individual stores, purchase goods and inquire about discounts to complete their card in exchange for a limited edition Cardiff sticker.
Alison Wielechowski, executive director of Cardiff 101, anticipates a large number of families that would’ve traveled out of the area for the holidays will now stay in town and hopefully attend the event.
“Traditionally, it seems as if a lot of Cardiff residents leave for the holidays, however, we’re hoping this year that not only will people stay safe and stay local but they will consider shopping local,” Wielechowski said.
Beyond Small Business Saturday, all three MainStreet Associations will be hosting various events to bring attention to smaller businesses through the holiday retail season, including Cardiff 101’s 5k Virtual Donut Dash.
On January 15, 2021, Encinitas 101 will host “EncinitUS Day,” a fundraiser encouraging local businesses to sell specially designed “EncinitUS” t-shirts with proceeds going to assist establishments in need.
In support of local artists, Leucadia 101 will host a “Collective Introspection” Virtual Art Auction from December 4 to December 11.
“Small businesses in Encinitas are the core of our community’s vitality that enables our beach town to stay unique,” Puyn said, emphasizing the benefits of supporting local. “[These] businesses give back to the community so mindful spending is key this and every year!”
All three business associations are encouraging residents to visit their websites and social media accounts to receive updates on local businesses running promotions.
