The South Pasadena Chamber of  Commerce is working with member merchants and city staff to plan a multi-faceted series of  activities to stimulate local business during this critical Fall holiday season. 

First up is a Shop Crawl event with sidewalk sales planned for Saturday, Oct. 24, offering a  safe, outdoor shopping experience. Adults and children are encouraged to wear their  Halloween costumes to eat, shop and enjoy the city’s business district.  

Ghouls and goblins are invited to take a photo in costume and submit it to the City of South  Pasadena’s costume contest. Photos must be submitted to  [email protected] by Monday, Oct. 26. Flyers with additional information  are posted in various store windows and on the City’s website. 

“With the ongoing threat of coronavirus, it’s been a rough year for our local businesses, and  the next few months will be critical to their success,” said Chamber President and CEO  Laurie Wheeler. “We are planning some festivities for individuals and families to shop and  eat safely while enjoying the holiday season in our beautiful community.”  

Merchants report that sidewalk shopping offered Sept. 19 generated record sales and  positive comments from customers who were delighted to shop safely outside.  

Since March, at least five South Pasadena businesses have closed due at least in part to  the impact of the pandemic.  

“Many of our merchants see this holiday season as make or break for their business,”  Wheeler said. “We want to encourage everyone in South Pasadena and surrounding  communities to shop local, not only benefitting the merchants, but also generating much needed sales taxes to support city programs and services.” 

Across the country the holiday shopping season is under way, with expected increases in  online shopping that may involve longer wait times for delivery.

Wheeler pointed out that shopping local can lead to the discovery of unique gift items and  overcome delivery delays. 

“There’s a lot of convenience that goes into shopping local,” Wheeler said. “Our merchants  offer a variety of gift items that can’t be found in department stores and ‘big box’ businesses.  The diversity of unique shops and dining establishments helps create the charming  character of South Pasadena.” 

Wheeler added, “A shopping experience in South Pasadena definitely can be enhanced by  enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner al fresco – or customers may order food for takeout at  most restaurants.” 

The planning team of merchants led by Wheeler is collaborating with city staff to create a  series of events for November and December, along with holiday decorations – all designed  to draw patrons into town to eat, shop, and enjoy the city safely.  

Face coverings and social distancing are required in compliance with public health protocols  for the coronavirus pandemic.

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