The City of Oakland, Visit Oakland, and Oakland Metro Chamber
Share How to Shop Local & Support The Town’s Businesses During the Holidays
Oakland, CA – The Think Oakland First holiday campaign encourages Oakland residents and visitors to support local businesses as they celebrate the season. Known as a diverse city filled with creative energy, Oakland is home to numerous small businesses and shops that are signature to The Town. These hidden gems are found in each of Oakland’s distinctive neighborhoods. From artisan baked goods to hand crafted maker creations, local fashion designs, vintage treasures, foodie finds, and eclectic shops filled with unique gifts – Oakland is the place to find the perfect present for someone special.
“Oakland is home to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, artisans, chefs, makers, and small business owners who shape our city's unique culture and identity. This holiday season, Think Oakland First for all your holiday shopping. When you spend your dollars locally, you help sustain Oakland’s creative spirit, support our culture keepers, and contribute to a stronger local economy” said Barbara Leslie, President & CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
The benefits of shopping locally are widespread. By supporting local establishments, this increases revenue for farmers, suppliers, service providers and manufacturers. Local businesses generate sales tax revenue for the city that is reinvested into the community to further growth and redevelopment.
With vibrant art, live music performances, holiday shows, local markets, family-friendly activities and the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. award winning dining scene – Oakland’s welcoming community shines bright during the holiday season. Oakland experiences also make great gifts! Think Oakland First promotes experiential gift giving with certificates for art tours and classes, concert tickets, reservations for amazing cultural culinary adventures, and hotel stays.
“With so much to do in Oakland and a diverse mix of restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, attractions, and events - the holidays are the ideal time to come to our city to shop and stay awhile” stated Peter Gamez, President and CEO of Visit Oakland. “We invite Oaklanders and visitors to take in a show, check out our art galleries, museums and attractions, dine at our award-winning restaurants, experience Oakland’s beautiful hotels and really make the most of the holidays in The Town.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS TO KEEP IT LOCAL AND THINK OAKLAND FIRST...
SHOP FESTIVE HOLIDAY MARKETS
From art to handmade crafts and delectable treats – our Oakland community holiday markets are filled with gifts and goods that will delight every shopper.
TAKE IN THE CULTURE
Holiday time in Oakland is extra vibrant! With Tree lightings at Jack London Square and the Claremont Club & Spa, the new Joy to The Town Popup, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 39th Annual Holiday Concert, Graham Lustig’s Nutcracker, Glowfari at the Zoo, Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland and more – getting in the holiday spirit is easy in The Town. An entire Oakland calendar of events awaits!
UPCYCLE & GO VINTAGE
Oakland is home to 40+ incredible vintage shops that feature fashion, vinyl records, retro housewares, locally produced jewelry and beauty products, candles, and so much more. Discover The Town’s treasures on a self-guided tour of all things vintage.
GIVE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
Buying a gift card is a lovely way to choose a personalized experience for friends and family. Think art classes, history tours, spa treatments, award winning dining, concerts, movies, hotel stays and more. The possibilities are truly endless in Oakland. Check out this list of Only-In-Oakland shops for inspiration.
RELAX & STAY AWHILE
Oakland has more than 40 hotels from historic icons and sleek contemporary urban oases to family friendly hotels and chic boutique properties. With an array of hotels to choose from, there is a place for everyone to call home. Our hotels are hosting holiday events and offering seasonal rates – giving locals and visitors a few more reasons to stay and enjoy all that The Town has to offer!
The Think Oakland First holiday season promotion is a partnership between the City of Oakland, Visit Oakland and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more about Think Oakland First and explore the online small business directories and shopping resources go to VisitOakland.com/holidays/. #thinkoaklandfirst #visitoakland #oaklandloveit
# # #
About Visit Oakland
Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out visitoakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. #visitoakland #oaklandloveit
