I’m writing this article after checking my email, which is overflowing with Black Friday deals. There’s an effort this year to boycott Home Depot, Target, and Amazon between Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a way to let the giant retailers know that shoppers do not back their cozying up to the Trump administration.
Coming between the two designated shopping days is Small Business Saturday, which aims to encourage shopping locally. Why? Our local retailers generate a significant portion of their sales and profits in December, and are crucial to the vibrancy and character of our neighborhood. By supporting them and buying unique gifts and goods, you help them survive and thrive for another year.
In that spirit, I checked with the retailers on Grand to see what they were doing special for the holidays. Here’s a rundown.
Holiday Gift Market December 6!
Four stores on Grand—RadBird, 8AM Fashion, urban university, and Brother & Sisters Flowers—will come together to host a Holiday Gift Market on Saturday, December 6, right after the Farmers’ Market closes (2:30-6:00 pm).
They’ll set up canopies outside their shops, offer curated gift ideas and hold a raffle as well.
Radbird
RadBird (3223 Grand Ave.) sells well-made, high-quality consignment clothing, pieces from local designers, and basics for men and women. RadBird will also feature a selection of gift items at the holiday market.
8 AM Fashion
8 AM Fashion (3231 Grand Ave.) This studio designs unique, handcrafted garments with passion and heritage. What began as a love for textiles and global culture has evolved into a slow fashion brand that embraces diversity, sustainability, and timeless style. Co-owner Meaza is also working with a jeweler friend to sell a beautiful line of jewelry priced under $50.
urban university
urban university (3237 Grand Ave.) offers quality furniture, housewares, clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women, along with holiday gift bundles. This store is also home to the Single Moms at Work program, where participants gain retail, customer service, and ecommerce skills while receiving weekly professional development coaching.
Brother & Sisters Flowers
Brother & Sisters Flowers (3265 Grand Ave.) is a charming urban oasis featuring a greenhouse, floral studio, lush gardens, a covered outdoor classroom, and an indoor workshop. In addition to unique floral bouquets and plants, the shop offers a variety of gift items.
Besides the holiday market, here’s what’s happening at some of the other Grand Avenue shops this month:
The Sanctuary (3344 Grand Avenue)
Sanctuary co-founder Stephanie Burrell invites you to a concept dinner party on December 13 at 5 pm called “You Can Keep the Dishes.” The event will feature a four-course meal with collard greens in every dish. At the end, guests can keep the dishes made by resident artist Sien Strauss. Seating is limited, and tickets are available at The Sanctuary.
Walden Pond Books (3316 Grand Avenue)
Walden Pond Books staff member Cody informed us that the well-known bookstore offers not only a large selection of new and used books and LPs, but also holiday cards and 2026 calendars. Note that they pause buying books in December, but they will happily accept your book sales again in January.
MeloMelo Kava Bar (3264 Grand Avenue)
As always, MeloMelo has a busy schedule of December events. Staff member Ari told me she’s working on a holiday show. She’s a singer, and her musician friends are preparing something for Sunday, December 28. Watch for it!
Alkali Rye (3256 Grand Avenue)
Every weekend in November and December, Alkali Rye will host tastings of various handcrafted and small-batch spirits. The shop has expanded its upstairs gift and kitchen boutique and will also offer gift boxes and gift wrapping.
MegaDeluxe (3234 Grand Avenue)
If the people in your life love T-shirts, jackets, and caps with Oakland, auto, and custom themes, MegaDeluxe is the place to visit. “We don’t do anything different for the holidays—we’re a year-round gift shop!” says owner Wes Garcia.
TwoTwo (3221 Grand Avenue)
TwoTwo is a concept gallery-shop dedicated to emerging and independent fashion, art, and creativity. On December 6-7, they will be heading to San Francisco to collaborate with the Institute of Contemporary Arts on a fashion and gift experience that combines a museum, creative studio, and concept shop.
According to the website, TwoTwo is assembling a vibrant group of emerging designers, shops, creative collectives, and artists from the Bay Area and beyond for a curated shopping experience where retail becomes installation, garments become artifacts, and materials take on meaning. To RSVP and find out more, visit Luma.
urban university (3237 Grand Avenue)
On Saturday, December 4, from 6-8 pm, comic book artist Janelle Grace will visit urban university for an artist reception and exhibit of her latest work, Love Conquers All. The event will feature storytelling and community engagement through the power of art. Listen to Janelle share the inspiration behind Love Conquers All, and browse comics, books, and exclusive items. Refreshments will be provided.
And come by on Thursday, December 18 (6-8 pm) for urban university’s annual Christmas holiday party.
