The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional the start of the holiday shopping season, with malls and other large stores opening very early on Black Friday for a few hours of specials.  As a “hyperlocal” news site — meaning we only cover news and activities related directly to Edmonds — My Edmonds News would like to suggest a different approach, aimed at supporting those businesses who contribute directly to our city’s economic vitality: “Shop Hyperlocal for the Holidays” in Edmonds!

Edmonds has a wealth of shopping opportunities, from the downtown Edmonds core to Highway 99 (including our own “international district” between 238th and 224th) to our neighborhood shops in Firdale Village, Westgate, Five Corners and Perrinville, plus plenty of restaurants and coffee shops where you can refuel and relax. And you can follow My Edmonds News during the holidays as we “Shop Hyperlocal,” and report on some of the great finds for family and friends in our own town.

You can download your own “Shop Hyperlocal” Badge here – post it on your Facebook Page or your website and remind people to support our local business community.

This Saturday also happens to be Small Business Saturday, aimed at encouraging people to support their local small businesses. It’s the perfect time to shop in Edmonds, then stop by the annual Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centennial Plaza, 5th and Bell, at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy caroling, cider and even a visit from Santa Claus.