Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf takes Plaid Friday seriously.
She arrived Friday morning at the event, Oakland's local alternative to Black Friday, in clothing made entirely in the city - including a plaid skirt.
And she picked up even more local products during a shopping trip in the Lakeshore neighborhood that highlighted small businesses open for the holidays.
"Don't support some big corporation," she said. "Put your wallet where your heart is."
Some Oakland businesses are offering discounts Thanksgiving weekend in the hopes that Black Friday shoppers will head to local shops instead of to the big box stores that draw massive crowds the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Oakland resident Veronica Sutter-Handy said that's why she always tries to shop on Plaid Friday. She was looking for toys for her niece, nephew and friends' kids at Adventure Toys and Learning this morning.
"We're not usually even Black Friday shoppers, but it's just an excuse to support local business," she said. "I want to see stores like this in my community and in my neighborhood, and if I want to see stores like this, then I need to support them."
Local
Shop owners and employees were hopeful that city leaders' attention on the Plaid Friday event would bring in some more customers.
"This is as local as you get," said Casey Desilets, an artist and employee at Bay-Made, a local gift store. "You keep the money in the community and get something of better quality."
Schaaf picked up a variety of items as she went from shop to shop, mingling with shop owners. She bought some children's books at the toy store, including the titles "I Look Up To... Michelle Obama" and "I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
She bought some locally made spirits from a small liquor store that's been in Lakeshore for 28 years.
"Plaid Friday is so Oakland," Schaaf said. "When you purchase locally, that money gets reinvested."
For local shopping information and a list of discounts offered at Oakland stores customers can visit the Oakland Grown webiste.
