City Of Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Welcomes Shoppers And Diners During Another Make-Or-Break Holiday Season For Local Businesses

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

11/23/2021 4:54 PM

Santa Cruz, CA – Standing together in support of local businesses that continue to reel from the economic effects of the pandemic, the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department and Downtown Association of Santa Cruz are once again partnering to encourage shoppers and diners to support local businesses this holiday season through Shop Santa Cruz.

Shop Santa Cruz encourages community members to shop for the holidays early and often at their favorite local Santa Cruz businesses, both in-person and online. With a variety of stores, restaurants and other businesses to choose from, shoppers are sure to find a gift for everyone on their list.

Shopping in Santa Cruz is safe and convenient. Local businesses offer COVID-safe environments, with Santa Cruz County Public Health guidelines in place. You can make purchases in-store, online and even through curbside at many locations.

“Local businesses are still feeling the impacts from COVID-19 and community support this holiday season will play a critical role in keeping the doors open to many of Santa Cruz’s beloved locally-owned businesses,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director for the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department. “For the sake of local jobs, local tax revenue that funds important services and to help the local economy thrive, we’re really putting out the call for locals to shop and dine in Santa Cruz. It truly makes a difference.”

In addition to purchasing directly from Santa Cruz businesses, community members can show support by using Downtown Dollars, which can be purchased at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Downtown Information Kiosk or Pacific Cookie Company or online.

Shop Santa Cruz will also feature special promotions, events, giveaways and more. Some festivities on tap include:

Santa Returns to Downtown Santa Cruz
This year, Santa returns from the North Pole to visit Downtown Santa Cruz! Starting in December, children of all ages are invited to stop by and talk to Santa about their wish list at 1117 Pacific Street. Event dates coming soon.

Sidewalk Sales, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
Nov. 26-28, take advantage of three days of sidewalk sales plus tons of great Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials throughout the weekend. 

Golden Envelope (NEW!)
Nov. 27, this Small Business Saturday, downtown Santa Cruz shoppers that spend $30 at any of the participating businesses will be rewarded with a special golden envelope. Every envelope contains a prize, winnings will include gift cards for downtown retailers, coffee vouchers, Downtown Dollars and more. 300 envelopes available, limit one per guest.

Holiday Lights on Display
Colorful holiday lights are being installed this weekend along Pacific Avenue and will be featured in front of businesses throughout downtown this season to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Downtown Holiday Fair (NEW!)
Dec. 4, Noon-4 p.m., shoppers will enjoy drinking cocoa by the fire, free kids’ games, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History family crafts, the Downtown Maker’s Holiday Pop-Up and more! Activities will be located at Pacific Avenue and Lincoln Street. 

About Shop Santa Cruz
Shop Santa Cruz is a collaboration between the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department and the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Launched in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic, Shop Santa Cruz promotes the importance of supporting local businesses during the holiday season and beyond.

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This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.