Redwood City Launches Campaign Urging Residents To Shop Local

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Jihan Bayyari serves up fresh caffeinated goodness and health-oriented gourmet eats with the freshest ingredients she can find, an approach that's helped her popular Redwood City café thrive in good times and bad.

The Cyclismo Café owner also serves up sage advice for local consumers for the upcoming holiday season: Shop like your community depends on it. Because it does.

“Small, locally-owned businesses are the backbone of every community,” she said, acknowledging that many local business owners are at risk of losing their livelihood amid the coronavirus crisis.

“By shopping local you are not only helping to support these shops, but you are also choosing to put your community first.”

Bayari’s sentiments echo a campaign a group that’s encouraging local residents to shop locally this holiday season.

“The holidays are just around the corner and showing support for your favorite small businesses has never been more important,” the Redwood City Improvement Association said in a statement.

“Like most things in 2020, the holiday shopping season will look a little different this year. Instead of dedicating one day to shop local, Redwood City is encouraging the community to ‘#BeLocal’ and support their favorite local shops all season long.”

A Redwood City resident since 1993, Bayyari insist she’s practicing what she’s preaching.

“As a local business owner myself, I am also doing my part to help promote and support local artisans during our Small Business Saturday market,” she said.

“So before you turn to big box stores, consider the impact you could have on someone’s life by picking up something truly unique and creative from a local shop.”

Here are some gift ideas that can be purchased locally to keep in mind for those on your list:

SIP & SAVOR – Start someone’s morning off right with locally brewed coffees and teas from Coffeebar and a freshly baked croissant from Mademoiselle Colette. The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so take them on a culinary adventure at one of the many international eateries in Redwood City such as Zareen’s, LV Mar and Marufuku Ramen. Get in the holiday “spirit” with some artisan wines from CRU: Wine Bar, or join Bottleshop's wine club for a monthly shipment of curated wines.

PAMPER – We could all use a little relaxation these days. Cleanse your body and recharge with a full body spa treatment from Retreat Salon. Try a new look with a haircut and color from Spruce Salon or a straight razor shave from Captain’s Barber Shop. Plus, stop by Natalie’s Salon for a variety of skin treatments including exfoliations and mani-pedis to help you feel your best this season.

ACCESSORIZE – Don’t forget to complete the look this holiday season by letting yourself shine with a new outfit for this year’s holiday card. Stop by Pickled Clothing for the latest fall trends to keep you stylish and warm this winter season. Accessorize the look with something that rally sparkles from Mayers Jewelers and finish it off with a classic timepiece from Gold Time Jewelers.