NOTE: The following article was published in February 2022.
From the bustling stores in San Francisco’s Union Square to the outlet offerings at Ontario Mills to Orange County’s famous malls, California is home to some of the world’s best spots to shop—and there’s never been a better time to indulge in some much-needed retail therapy.
Navigating the Reopening
“We’re so excited to have a full reopening, and to have that consistency throughout the state of California,” says Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Association. Over the course of the pandemic, guidelines for retailers and shoppers have varied from county to county, but Michelin says that all regions are now following the same guidance. “From a retail perspective, we don't see any area of the state that's not in compliance,” she says.
One thing that hasn’t changed: Different businesses may impose their own rules and requests, so it’s important to be mindful of signage.
Supporting Independent Retailers
Michelin says shopping at locally owned businesses across California is always a good idea—but there’s never been a better time to show your support. “When you step into a store, you will feel the gratitude and the impact you are making by shopping in the community,” she says. “As you visit different parts of California, you can take that part back home with you.”
For example, you can find a pair of where-did-you-get-those jeans at Santa Barbara’s Ace Rivington, a sustainable, denim-focused apparel brand. The owner, Beau Lawrence, says he used a few months of the 2020 shutdown to create a new-and-improved brick-and-mortar location. “I cut every single board in the new store myself,” he says. Customers who enter the La Arcada Plaza shop can enjoy a warm welcome from Lawrence (he loves to suggest places to eat, drink, and explore in his hometown), as well as hands-on tailoring to ensure every person walks out with perfect-fitting jeans.
