The holiday shopping season is about to begin, and one will be tempted by the savings offered at major retailers. But with the ongoing “Occupy Wall Street”-movement along with Wall Streets war on Main Street; it might be better to support local business.
Sure major retailers have better selections and lower prices; but that has been made possible by cutting employee benefits and only offering minimum wage. Plus many of these retailers force their employee’s to work on Black Friday regardless of whats happining in their personal life. While local business may not have the selection or prices but they treat their employee’s like family.
To find a good selection of local business; it helps to have the heart of an explorer while wandering around Castro Street in Mountain View, Murphy Street in Sunnyvale, The Alameda in San Jose, or Historical Downtown Campbell. But there are a few stores that are reliable for all your holiday needs.
Obviously entertainment is always on the top of some ones whish list. For the best selection of music and movies; explore Rasputin Music* (1820 S Bascom Ave, Campbell and 630 San Antonio Rd, Mountain View). At Rasputin you never need a shopping agenda; just walk in and explore. With an impressive selection; customers will find some interesting movies or albums.
Or if you want to go a little old school; check out the selection of records available at On The Corner Music (530 E Campbell Ave, Campbell). But to satisfy your inner neediness; hit up Space Cat Comics (536 S Bascom Ave, San Jose and 1600 Saratoga Ave, San Jose) or Lee’s Comics (1020 N. Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View).
However chances are not everyone will be interested in a rare DVD or a vinyl; some are more fascinated with literature. One such store to visit is the Recycled Book Store (1066 Alameda, San Jose and 275 E Campbell Ave, Campbell). Like the Rasputin Music; you never need a shopping agenda but only a sense of exploration to find the perfect gift.
Entertainment may make great gifts but sometime a new sense of style might also work out. Exploring retro stores like Moon Zooom (1630 W San Carlos St, San Jose) and 23 Skidoo (342 E Campbell Ave, Campbell) will open you up to a new sense of style. Take the time to explore the clothing of another era and try to build something that will reflect on character.
Often times you ones vice makes an excellent gift. Campbell Cigars (831 Union Ave, Campbell) has been offering the best selection for years. It’s a store that doesn’t treat customers as customers but as friends. Even thought the ownership has changed, it offers the same service only with a new décor. For that bottle of good booze; stop by Dry Creek Liquors (1886 Curtner Avenue, San Jose) for its good selection of wine, whiskey, vodka, and more.
There are local shops that offer more than just books, clothing, and vices. If one has a little patience with a sense of exploration; than it’s possible to find the best local stores for your holiday need. Why continue to fuel the Wall Street greed when Main Street offers a unique experience?
Or don’t shop on Black Friday!
* Some stores may have locations outside Santa Clara County. These are still local business as their scope of operation is only in the Bay Area.
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