There is an alternative to Black Friday--Plaid Friday.
Oakland first conceived it as a relaxed version of Black Friday meant to drum up business for smaller, locally-owned retailers. And now, other cities are embracing the idea.
Plaid Friday equates smaller stores with individual threads that create a strong fabric, or plaid.
Oakland mayor-elect Libby Schaaf did some shopping today, focusing on stores damaged by recent vandalism.
"We're gonna support these businesses by spending our money here and having a lot more of a communal experience of shopping, rather than going to those sterile malls, or spending those tax dollars outside of our city," Schaaf said.
Oakland is giving holiday buyers further incentive to "Shop Oakland" by offering free parking not just today, but every Saturday until New Year's Day.
Not only are metered spaces free, but shoppers also can use city-owned lots and garages without paying.
