Thursday, October 1, 2026
“The fact that this block has been rejuvenated will absolutely attract shoppers,” said Carlos Ferreiro, co-owner of the new, trendy men’s clothing store NY Threads, at 132 East Park Avenue. Ferreiro was referring to the new boutiques that have sprouted up along East Park Avenue in recent years, giving this particular stretch of Long Beach a “Soho vibe,” he said.
For local shoppers, Ferreiro said, the diverse shops — including Ooh la la, Frippery, Cover Girl Fashions and many other businesses — provide an opportunity to avoid the long lines, parking nightmares and other “headaches” at malls that come along with the start of the holiday shopping season, Black Friday.
“I think boutiques are coming back in style, and I think people are turned off by the mall. Shopping local gives people a way to avoid the crowds,” said Ferreiro, who opened the business in August. “Being a local business, we know all of the locals and we’re in a position to offer our clients local discounts.”
Ferreiro is one of many business owners who are gearing up for what is expected to be a busy Black Friday and holiday season.
Last week, the City of Long Beach launched a campaign aimed at enticing residents to shop locally. It also gives local retailers the opportunity to participate in the City's “Snowflake Savings” holiday promotion, where businesses pledge to offer discounts of their choosing to customers for four Saturdays, November 27 through December 18. The City is also offering free bus transportation “to all shopping areas” on those dates.
“The City has a multitude of restaurants, shops, boutiques and other businesses that offer essential items and services,” said City Manager Charles Theofan. “Why fight traffic to overcrowded malls when we have all of these merchants right here in Long Beach?”
According to the National Retail Federation, 138 million people plan to shop over the Black Friday weekend, up from 134 million people last year. According to Port Washington-based market researcher NPD Group, 61 percent of consumers say they plan to spend about the same as last year. Only 9 percent say they plan to spend more.
