5 days until Christmas: Holiday shoppers hit local stores for last minute gifts

As shipping deadlines pass, people are turning to in-person shopping for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

Shoppers hit local shops in downtown San Luis Obispo to grab last minute gifts this weekend.

Camryn Christensen, a Moondoggies sales associate, had a busy day ringing up customers and bagging gifts for holiday shoppers.

With less than a week to go until Christmas, she says this weekend has been a busy one for her store.

"It has been far busier than I have expected, I know we did a little less than last season, but not by a whole lot," Christensen said.

Alister Schwab says he is hitting town for the third time this holiday season looking for a gifts for his parents. He said he had luck at local stores Ambiance and Mint + Craft.

"For my dad maybe, I will keep it easy and get him a gift card to some restaurant downtown," Schwab said.

Many shoppers are making a point to support mom and pop shops this holiday season.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of San Luis Obispo and the SLO Chamber of Commerce have partnered together to introduce their "Buy Local Bonus" initiative.

If you purchase $`100 or more from a qualified SLO city business in the program, you can receive a $20 gift card to another local business.

How it works for Shoppers:
(According to City of San Luis Obispo's website)

1. Spend $100 or more at local retailers, restaurants or other food & beverage businesses in the City of San Luis Obispo on or after December 14, 2020.
   1. Receipts must be readable and itemized. Date, name of the business, and the full total must be included.
   2. Receipts may be cumulative but can only be redeemed during the month of the purchase.
   3. Taxes, delivery fees, and shipping are not eligible for the purchase total.
2. Email your receipt(s) to SUPPORTSLO@SLOCITY.ORG or drop them off in-person at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center 895 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday (805) 786-2777
3. Get your gift card!

The city of San Luis Obispo is also offering free holiday parkingin their parking garages downtown on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"Shopping local is so important. It's where I try to do all my Christmas shopping. I do a lot of it [at Moondoggies], but I think it's just so important to support those local families and businesses," Christensen said.