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Shop local, local, local. That’s the message Gilroy retailers from the Outlets to downtown want shoppers to know before they head out for this year’s Black Friday and Shop Local Saturday sales.“Shopping local should be on people’s minds when they go out on Black Friday,” Gilroy Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Turner. “The money that people invest in our town really recycles itself in our community, going back into other businesses, restaurants or organizations.”Before the dishes have been washed and put away on Thursday, thousands of shoppers will already be at the Gilroy Premium Outlets for the annual Black Friday sales.Opening at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, most of the 145 retailers including 7 For All Mankind, Banana Republic, Columbia Sportswear, Kate Spade New York, Nike will remain open until 10 p.m. Friday, reopening on Saturday at 8 a.m.Jane Howard, executive director of The Gilroy Welcome Center, which is located at the Outlets, said opening on Thursday creates a family atmosphere. This will be her sixth Black Friday experience at the Outlets. The Welcome Center has coupon books for the Outlets and, Gilroy logo merchandise, including a heavily discounted Gilroy logo jacket.“It has become a social event for families, I see those multigenerational families out shopping with the mom, child and grandmother and they are just in the zone and so excited,” she said. “They have exactly in mind where they want to go, they’ve usually done some homework on their own, going on the Outlet website.”For those who would rather skip the large crowds, shops in downtown Gilroy offer unique finds just in time for the holidays. From antiques, bikes and crossbows to handmade jewelry, furniture imports and homemade quilts, downtown shops cannot be beat.“We have over 20 local artists in here,” said Kim Rossi, owner of Leedo Art & Framing at 7436 Monterey Street.Walking through the store’s various rooms adorned with original works of art, photography and sculpture, Rossi listed the many different items, at various price points, available, “We got note cards, art cards, handmade jewelry, sports memorabilia, something that is affordable for everybody.”Over at specialty retailer Garlic City Mercantile, Dave Peoples sells “gourmet garlic goodies, gadgets and gifts.” While he carries a range of garlic-infused items by locals like Christopher Ranch, Gilroy Hot Stuff, Pepper Plants, and others, it’s not just “garlicky things” you will find on the shelves.There are ceramics by local artists, kitchen gadgets, greeting cards, “as seen on TV” gizmos and european imports. At the back of the store is the Embroidery Studio where Carol and Al Gutierrez can stitch a garlic design or any other custom design on an item of your choice, from kitchen aprons to reusable cloth shopping totes. “We are a fun place and know the specialty items people are looking for,” said Peoples.Over at the Arts Center, the Artisan's Corner features artwork by local artists including handblown glass, watercolor paintings, handmade tree ornaments and more. The center will be open on Black Friday and throughout the weekend.“These are very unique items—perfect for the person that has everything,” said Kevin Heath at the Art Center. “And it’s a way to support downtown, restaurants. Everything is walkable and friendly downtown.”On Friday, Amoretto Boutique will be offering 20 to 50 percent off the entire store of stylish home furnishings and select fashions.The following day, on Shop Local Saturday, Amoretto will offer customers a free tote bag with every purchase and there will be hot chocolate from Fifth Street Coffee.“It’s just so much fun to see the energy and enthusiasm for this experience which has become quite a family tradition,” said Howard, and “from a revenue perspective, what the sales bring into the city’s general fund is pretty significant. We certainly want to celebrate we got that here.”   

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