This weekend kicks off the holiday shopping season, and local merchants are gearing up for their biggest and busiest days of the year. Many Lodi retailers are excited for Small Business Saturday, offering a variety of sales and discounts to encourage residents to shop locally. Observed each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 to support local businesses coming out of the “Great Financial Crisis.” “The initiative has grown into a holiday shopping tradition, and it is so important that we support our small businesses,” Lodi Chamber of Commerce president and CEO JP Doucette said. “Small Business Saturday boosts local economies, promotes diverse communities and recognizes the vital role of small businesses.” In Downtown, Angel Ra will be offering a number of deals at the boutique that bears her name at 10 N. School St. Jewelry will be on sale, and if customers spend a certain amount of money in-store, they’ll receive a free item such as a candle or crystal with their purchase. She’ll also offer deals on Zodiac Perfume, which is one of her best sellers. The creator spent six years conducting blind scent studies, and learned that 80% of Zodiac signs were drawn to the coordinated scents she developed. If customers purchase a Zodiac collection, they can buy Zodiac lotion at half-off. Ra said she is excited for Small Business Saturday this year, as Lodi residents go all-out to support merchants. “Lodi really does support small business,” she said. “It’s the cute small town that actually supports small business. I’ve done retail management in a lot of different settings and cities, and Lodi stands out.” In years past, Judy Peterson has offered all kinds of sales and discounts at Pret, located at 16 W. Pine St. But this year, Peterson will be doing something a little different. Instead of discounts, she’ll be giving away $200 gift cards to the store, as well gift cards to Downtown restaurants. She’ll also have music, as well as sandwiches and champagne to ring-in the holiday season. “We’re excited,” she said. “Small Business Saturday is usually out biggest day of the season. We’ll be prepared with music and food and giveaways.” At Cheese Central, 11 N .School St., owner Cindy Della Monica and her staff will be offering mystery bags filled with their shelf staples at $20 to $30 each. The items in each bag will be the shop’s delectable pantry goods chosen specifically to go together. There will also be pre-made gift baskets from $35 to $100, and cider and cookies will be available for shoppers as they browse the goods. These deals will also be available on Black Friday as well. Lodi Cyclery owner Brian Shirk will be running a Christmas bike special in which any kids’ bicycle comes with an accompanying package that could include a helmet, or lights or a bell. Parents will be able to choose which package they want for their child. In addition, the shop will also be running its e-bike sale, in which all e-bikes, either in-stock or special order, will be 10% off. The e-bike sale will be running through the end of the year. Lodi Cyclery is located at 9 N. School St. Just a few blocks down at 208 S. School St., House of Clocks has withstood the test of time and is gearing up for its 54th holiday season. Co-owner Sandy Hohn said the store will offer sales-tax-free purchases on Saturday. From contemporary to classic, the store has many popular clocks in stock, including musical motion, cuckoo and grandfather clocks.
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