Shop Small Saturday in Long Beach

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and serves as a great reminder to support local shops and the amazing people who make them special. Long Beach is full of creative boutiques and neighborhood gems, many of which will offer special deals just for the day. Shopping locally matters: about $68 of every $100 spent at local businesses stays in the community. So visit one of Long Beach’s great shopping districts—or all of them—and see why shopping small is such a big deal.

BELMONT SHORE

An inviting mix of sunshine, shopping and neighborhood charm, Belmont Shore is perfect for a beachside stroll, shopping bag in hand. Centered on 2nd Street, Long Beach’s best-known shopping and entertainment district offers everything from jewelry and hardware to art and coastal-inspired fashion—many with special deals. Stop by Long Beach Clothing Co. (5308 E 2nd St.) and LB Swag (5304 2nd St.) for gear that shows your local pride, browse dazzling ornaments at Luna (4928 E 2nd St.) or explore fashion and home goods at Blue Windows (5276 E 2nd St.). When you’re ready to refuel or relax, choose from dozens of restaurants, cafes and bars. For a complete directory of shops and restaurants, click here. A short drive down 2nd you’ll find popular retail center 2nd & PCH (6480 E Pacific Coast Hwy) that mixes national brands with local outfits like Noble Rotisserie and Pigeon’s Roller Rink.

RETRO ROW

Retro Row on Fourth Street is pure Long Beach cool—colorful, creative, full of personality with just a bit of an edge. Here, between Temple and Walnut Avenues, you’ll find vintage shops, record stores and funky boutiques; shops like vintage icon Meow (2210 E 4th St) and Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop (2132 E 4th St), unofficial headquarters of Long Beach’s roller skating scene. The best part? Every store has its own story, and you’ll probably leave with one, too. After shopping, relax at some of the most popular restaurants and cafes in the city or check out a movie at the Art Theater (2025 E 4th St). For a complete list of shops and restaurants, click here.

BIXBY KNOLLS

Over on Atlantic Avenue, Bixby Knolls feels like a slice of small town tucked inside a big city. Check out locally owned spots like the charming and beloved Pixie Toys (3914 Atlantic Ave) and Better Half Boutique (3803 Atlantic Ave) offering unique, engraved gifts as well as home decor. There are plenty of other places–including another Long Beach Clothing Co. (4218 Atlantic Ave) location–where you can find stylish and fun items for all ages. After you shop, grab a bite, coffee or craft beer at one of the nearby hangouts. It’s laid-back, friendly, and full of that neighborhood energy that makes Small Business Saturday so special. For a complete directory of shops and restaurants, click here.

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Long Beach brings a mix of old-school architectural charm and modern flair. Walk along Pine Avenue for indie shops, restaurants, record stores like Toxic Toast (757 Pine Ave) and unique boutiques like Long Beach Vintage Etc. (737 Pine Ave) Wander east to the East Village Arts District where you’ll find spots like Hellada Gallery (117 Linden Ave) showcasing much of what makes Long Beach’s art scene so exceptional, as well as Anneise’s (440 E 1st St) cool, contemporary clothes and jewelry for women and children and BYO Long Beach (431 E 1st St) with its wide range of environmentally friendly products and sustainable packaging. The Pike Outlets (95 S Pine Ave) Downtown’s open-air shopping hub. Its mix of national, smaller-format stores, great deals and waterfront views make it the perfect spot to unwind and wrap up your Downtown Long Beach shopping adventure. For a directory of where to shop, what to see and do, click here.

SHORELINE VILLAGE

For shopping with a view, you can’t beat Shoreline Village. Located near Downtown Long Beach, sitting directly right on the harbor, this spot pairs waterfront dining and some of the most popular attractions–Aquarium of the Pacific, Harbor Breeze Cruises–with quirky, one-of-a-kind shops. Pick up something fun at The Village Hat Shop (429-A Shoreline Village Dr) or browse for souvenirs at Pirate’s Cove (419-A Shoreline Village Dr). With the Queen Mary sparkling in the distance, it’s quintessential Long Beach at its most charming. Here is a complete list of shops and restaurants.

About the Author
Steve Lowery
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