Today is “Small Business Saturday“, so I’d like to veer off from our normal blog topics that deal with fitness, nutrition and health and give a little shout out to some small businesses here in San Jose. It’s holiday time and all of us will be scurrying around in the next few weeks making lots of purchases for friends and family.
When you’re out and about looking for nifty gifts for people, why not give these small businesses a try? You’ll find wonderful, unique items for the people on your list at these stores. An added bonus: NONE of these stores are located in a huge shopping mall—so you’ll avoid crowds and find a place to park :-). I also feel confident that you’ll receive excellent customer service at these establishments.
Here are my suggestions for “shopping small business” in San Jose:
1535 Meridian Ave., #30 San Jose, CA 95125
Proprietress Chrystal Bougon recently opened this beautiful boutique catering to women size 12 and up. She not only stocks a selection of beautiful, classy lingerie, but also carries sexy shoes and fun stuff that would be perfect for stocking stuffers.
Chrystal has a wonderful way of working with her customers (as well as the men who shop for them). She’ll help you find just the right item for yourself or the person for whom you are purchasing a gift.
1115 Lincoln Ave., San Jose CA 95125
This is our “go-to” place when we have a personal training or boot camp customers that needs help finding the right athletic shoe for them. Brad and Lisa are two of the owners and they know their shoes! They also figure out your feet really fast—so they’re able to get you into a shoe that is right for your foot and right for the activity you’ll be doing. They aren’t just a shoe store though–they’ve got a nice selection of athletic wear as well.
195 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell CA 95008
Sonya is a local artist with a fabulous showroom right in Downtown Campbell. She has everything from large original works of art to small items that make great stocking stuffers (think keychains, trivets, magnets) . She uses vibrant colors in her works of art that I just love. 
Sonya will not be renewing her Campbell lease in 2013, so I suspect you can find a few items on sale there right now. If you’re an animal lover, you should check out some of Sonya’s animal art. I love it! I have a print of one of her doggie paintings in my office.
860 Willow Street, San Jose CA 95125
Proprietress Cindy Sanders has filled a small space with loads of fine jewelery, handbags and some gently used consignment items (high-end shoes, jewelry and handbags). One of her Yelp reviewers describes the shop as “The closet that Carrie from ‘Sex in the City’ would have”. You’re sure to find some great items here–or maybe a stocking stuffer for yourself!
Small businesses depend on us to help them stay in business. When you’re out and about this holiday season (and beyond!), consider giving your business to a local small business owner.
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