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Community Corner

Small Business Saturday: Shop Local, in Cupertino

Patch found a few places we think are worthy alternatives to your usual big box store and national chains for holiday gifts.

Did you know that for every $50 you spend in a small business in Cupertino, $34 of that comes back into Cupertino, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration? When you spend the same $50 with a national retailer, approximately $7.50 goes back to the town.

Small Business Saturday, held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, was created to remind Americans that they can use their holiday spending dollars to support American jobs and businesses. However, supporting your neighbors and your community isn’t the only reason to shop locally. You can find thoughtful, unique gifts without having to brave mall traffic.

Ready to spend your shopping dollars locally, but not sure where to go? We like these stores for holiday gifts:

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Click on the name of the shop for hours and phone number.

10493 South de Anza Boulevard

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This shop's been around since 1953 and owned by competitive cyclist Vance Sprock. You're sure to find a fun accessory for your bike-happy friend. Find their sales here.

10123 N. Wolfe Road (Vallco)

Family-owned and with three locations - Cupertino, Palo Alto, and Walnut Creek - this business will celebrate 50 years of success in a couple of months. They can help with your child's orthotic needs and carry a wide selection of well-known brands. 

10123 N. Wolfe Road (Vallco)

Find comic books, graphic novels, miniatures, role-playing games, card games, board games and specialty collectibles for the most avid comic fan in your family. 

20680 Stevens Creek Boulevard

We're very sorry to see this  go, but if you have a crafty friend you can find a gift for 25 percent off during their closing sale.

10889 N. Wolfe Road

Specializing in Asian accessories for women, this might be a place to check out for fun stocking stuffers.

—Patch contributor Ann Krueger Spivack and Los Altos editor L.A. Chung contributed to this report

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