The 2020 version of Shop Catalina brings a new take on an old favorite. Under the current restrictions for COVID-19 infection control, some aspects of the annual promotion for holiday shopping have been modified, and a few ways of participating have been added, to better accommodate the unusual nature of this year’s activities. During the promotion, discounts at each store will range from 10 to 25 percent and many stores will have additional discounts good on Dec. 5 or through the week at the merchant’s discretion.
Shop Catalina kicks off its 27th annual celebration at noon on Saturday, Dec. 5, with activities all day and evening, followed by a week of special shopping offers in Catalina’s unique one of a kind shops. Look for the Nutcracker Windsocks on display at each participating merchant as a way of knowing where to shop next.
Shop Catalina discount cards, good from Dec. 5 to 24, can be picked up during Shop Catalina week, Dec. 5 to 12, at any participating store. Shoppers have all week to enter the drawings at each store for their in-store prizes.
The Treasure Card where guests historically got a stamp at each location, has been moved online and instead participants are going to search for a code word in each store, then enter it into the online form. The form will be available for shoppers to use all week while visiting each participating store. Three winners will be drawn for Catalina Island gift certificates from everyone who completes the virtual Treasure Card entry online: first place $125, second place $50, third place $25.
The list of businesses can be found on LoveCatalina.com and the code words must all be gathered then entered there. A list will also be available at the Catalina Island Visitor Center on the Green Pleasure Pier. All shoppers using the Treasure Card online tools must be 16 years of age or older.
What’s New This YearMore time to shop. This year to aid in social distancing, you have all week to shop and fill your Treasure Card for each place you visit. In the past cards had to be completed and turned in all in one night. Visit LoveCatalina.com/shop-catalina and enter Treasure Card code words as a touch-free way to enjoy supporting the merchants and special offers.
More lights, ribbons and garland. Thanks to the support of Avalon Beautiful, additional lighting and décor have been added to Avalon’s festive waterfront including red, green and white tree lights and candy stripe ribbons at the Cabrillo Mole. Look for donation buckets around town to help cover the costs too.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to really deck the halls and possibly win up to $100 for Best Residence or Best Business décor. Second and third prizes will be awarded too. Judges will be out and about Dec. 5 around 5 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will tour the town on Saturday, Dec. 5, courtesy of Avalon Fire Department, greeting kids of all ages beginning at 3:30 p.m.
At the end of the ride he will be available to hear kids’ gift wishes by phone at 310-510-7469 and the calls, along with holiday music, will be broadcast on KISL 88.7 radio at KISLAvalon.com.
Avalon Rotary Club’s Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. Drop off your decorated house at Wrigley Stage between the hours of 1 and 2 p.m. Vote for your favorite house between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Avalon Interact Club hot chocolate and popcorn sales at Wrigley Stage from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 5.
Catalina Island Saddle Club, Sees Candy Sales at Wrigley stage from noon to 8 p.m. or until they run out of candy.
What’s Back this Year
The Community Christmas Tree is back on Wrigley Stage and has already been lit.
Canned Food Drive at Antonio’s
Discount card to use through Dec. 25 for additional savings at participating merchants.
What’s Gone this Year
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no strolling carolers, no public tree lighting ceremony and no kid’s mini concert at Wrigley Stage and no physical Treasure Cards.
List of participating stores
—A Touch of Heaven
— Afishinados
— Avalon Pack And Ship
— Buoys & Gulls
— Café Metropole
— Catalina Bath & Body
— Catalina Divers Supply
— Catalina Island Museum Store
— Catalina Pottery & Tile Co.
— Catalina Vanity Studio
— Chet’s Hardware
— Ciao-Baci
— Conservancy Trailhead Store
— Golden Bay Surfwear
— Latitude 33
— Leo’s Catalina Drugstore
— Lloyd’s of Avalon
— NDMK Fish House
— Shades of Catalina
— SunKissed
— The Steamer Trunk
— Two’s Company of Avalon
Many businesses are offering gift wrapping, free delivery on-island plus shipping off-island.
For more information on joining in the fun, contact the Catalina Island Visitor Center at 310-510-1520 or info@lovecatalina.com.
