Laurel District Association

by Ada Chan

As you think about shopping for the holidays, whether you want books, clothing, toys, a gift certificate for martial arts or fitness training at one of our local studios, a facial, a massage, or power tools, you have a variety of options in the Laurel. In addition to saving on gas and transportation, when you shop at a local independent business the entire community benefits.'

According to IndieBound, for every $100 spent at a local independent business, $68 stays within the community. The same $100 spent at a national chain returns only $43 to the community. Local businesses donate to local charities at more than double the rate of national chains. More of the money you spend in close to home is reinvested in your neighborhood and your community. '

As you walk down to the Oakland Food Connection Farmer's Market on Saturday, make sure to welcome two new businesses that have joined the Laurel District just in time for the holidays: Pet Choice and Candy, Jewelry and Accessories. When you drop by, you may also recognize some old neighbors.'

Pet Choice opened in November, offering pet grooming, day care, and pet accessories. Fred Choi, whom you'll find in the store during the afternoons, lived in the Laurel for years and is happy to be back in the neighborhood. Bring your dog in for shampoo and conditioning, nail trim and filing, and pick up your dog or cat's food and accessories here too. If they don't have what you want, ask, and they'll be happy to order it for you. Jackie, whom you're more likely to see in the store on the weekends, will be working to bring SPCA animal adoption opportunities to the neighborhood once a month on Saturdays'

Accessories are a big part of fashion right now and make great gifts.' The right purse or statement piece of jewelry can make an outfit, and you don't have to worry about getting the right size. Visit Candy, Jewelry and Accessories and you will see some familiar faces from another local favorite—Mizaan. Zainae, Janaan, and Saudah Zareef, all help their sister Zinzi out at Mizaan, and are now embarking on their own endeavor—Candy. "We were born and raised around the Laurel District, we love jewelry and accessories so we wanted to bring something we love, to a place that we love."'

Pet Choice and Candy are just two examples of the many businesses in the Laurel owned people who grew up in or live in our neighborhood and choose to continue to invest in our community.'

Pet Choice, 4203 MacArthur Boulevard. Candy, Accessories and Jewelry, 4158 MacArthur Boulevard.