Best Local San Francisco Businesses To Shop On Black Friday 2014
(credit: David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving can be dangerous by creating a bulging tummy and a lean wallet. Camping out at the mall through pre-dawn opening hours to snag the Black Friday discounts on blenders and televisions at the big box stores isn't everyone's cup of tea. Do remember our small independent retailers and SFMade while you're out there, and again the following day on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2014, a growing initiative since 2010.
580 7th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 408-5605
www.sfmade.org
This first-ever event comes on Saturday, November 22, the weekend before Black Friday, but it's worth taking note, since we're the only city lucky enough to have Pinterest headquartered here. Non-profit SFMade is all about local, 365 days a year, with a branded store inside the San Francisco Travel Visitor Information Center at 900 Market Street. If November is just too early for holiday shopping, pencil in the SFMade Holiday Gift Fair at Fort Mason on December 13-14, 2014 for a hyper-local shopping spree.
Ghirardelli Square
900 N. Point St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
How many people on your shopping list wouldn't delight in receiving signature chocolates from San Francisco's own Ghirardelli where the shop on the eastern side of the main square has some of the original chocolate factory equipment in showcases. Head here on Black Friday to combine your chocolate-infused shopping spree with the special moment when the switch is thrown for the 50th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Live music kicks everything off from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Santa will be there for the actual illumination at 5:30 p.m.
Chinatown
Near Union Square
San Francisco, CA 94108
www.sanfranciscochinatown.com
The neighborhood covers just eight blocks by three blocks, yet it's the largest Chinatown outside Asia with dozens, if not hundreds, of shops. Pass through the Grant Avenue dragon gates to browse the shop windows along streets decorated with 1920s streetlights sculpted to resemble golden dragons. Buy items from embroidered silk slippers to woks, jade pieces to paper lanterns and support local retailers. As evening draws in, you'll be right near Union Square for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014.
Seedstore
212 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 386-1600
www.seedstoresf.com
Consider the Inner Richmond for the essence of hyper-local. The sister team of Jennifer and Cynthia has been gathering loyal fans since 2010 in a men's and women's one-stop shop. The curated collection includes accessories, shoes, totes, outerwear and Pendleton brand from Maine. The Thanksgiving promotion is "Bring Us Your Pants," an opportunity for a discount on a new pair of jeans while your old ones are contributed to the drive for the St. Anthony Foundation Free Clothing Program benefiting needy, homeless, low-income families and individuals. Seedstore is a supporter of Small Business Saturday, so watch for promotions.
Fine Art Museums of San Francisco
De Young and Legion of Honor
Golden Gate Park and Lincoln Park
San Francisco, CA
www.famsf.org
The antithesis of hitting big box stores on Black Friday is visiting a museum and the museum shop, always a treasure trove of unique, quality gifts and so often overlooked on shopping days out. Art history books, jewelry, scarves, umbrellas, ceramics, home décor, art prints and stationery are among the items typically found, usually with a sale section as well.Every purchase helps support the collections and exhibitions of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
