Though we are in an economy where it is fairly warranted to shop on Black Friday, there is still an extreme importance to events like Shop Small Saturday. Shop Small Saturday has grown into far more than a feel-good tagline. It’s become a lifeline for independent small businesses and a reminder that the heart of any city beats in its small shops, not its corporate chains.
In places like Downtown Long Beach or Belmont Shore, the impact is especially tangible. There is perhaps no better example of that than the East Village Arts District’s upcoming Shop Small Season, a hyper-local celebration where artists, makers, vendors, chefs, and small business owners step forward to show what a neighborhood built on creativity really looks like. And these aren’t faceless storefronts or brands; they’re passion projects, labors of love, and community hubs run by people who know your name, remember your tastes, and shape the cultural texture of the city one interaction at a time.
“I think in our rapidly evolving world, when people spend their money, they want to feel appreciated and valued,” said Clay on First owner Clay Wood, who is helping lead the event with local online distributor Seeket. “And they deserve that. We absolutely appreciate and value every person that chooses to spend a dollar with us.”
The importance of an event like Shop Small Season in DTLB.
What makes Shop Small Season so meaningful is the intentionality behind it. These businesses aren’t just selling goods—they’re cultivating connection. From handmade ceramics and small-batch beauty products to curated vintage, contemporary art, vinyl, and micro-baked treats, each purchase keeps money in the neighborhood and fuels the local creative economy. It’s an antidote to the impersonal sprawl of online shopping and big-box sameness. The East Village’s makers and shopkeepers pour countless hours into crafting the atmosphere—live music, pop-ups, neighborhood collabs, and one-on-one conversations that turn casual visits into relationships. Their work turns commerce into community.
“Small businesses are what make our neighborhoods unique—and this past year has been especially hard on them, with tariffs and growing economic uncertainty,” said Liana Cote, the brainchild of Seeket. “Every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of community we want to live in. So, let’s show up this season and support the local businesses that you want to see thrive.”
In essence, supporting small is an act of preservation. It safeguards the character of our neighborhoods, bolsters the artists who make the places like the East Village worth visiting, and ensures the city maintains a diverse, independent identity rather than becoming an off-brand version of anywhere else.
What to expect from Shop Small Season? Amazing vendors, including some stellar food offerings, and a sense of belonging.
“The way we show that is by making a concerted effort to go above and beyond,” Clay said. “We are providing drinks and snacks at these events. We could get a Costco charcuterie board. Or we can provide Loverboy Provisions, bringing champurrado and pastries from a world-class pastry chef who lives and operates in the Long Beach community. We decided to go with Loverboy.”
And outside Loverboy, the food and drink offerings are spectacular, including:
Then there’s the brick-and-mortar shops participating:
- Clay on 1st (free pottery classes)
- Anneise
- Hellbent Silversmith (20% off jewelry)
- Wax n Blush
- BYO Long Beach
- Cone 11 Studio
- Velvet Needle Ink (flash tattos)
- Wildflower Beauty & Brows (15% off services)
- 1897lb
But what about pop-ups? Yup, plenty of those:
- River Moon Vintage
- Shelby Works
- Modern Day Fiasco
- Nata For All
- Lab Otanica
- Last Light Candle Co.
- Jennaramics
- Forest Nymphs Bath & Body
- Events on Cue LBC
- Earth & Son Shop
And, to cap it all off, live music by Jesse Wilder.
Shop Small Season in the East Village Arts District in DTLB operates on 1st Street between Elm and Linden Avenues. It takes place on Saturday, Nov. 29, from noon to 4PM.
