Local Retail Movement Moves into High Gear in Lake Merritt/Uptown & Downtown Oakland Plaid Friday’s “mall-ternative” event sees record numbers ‘love Oakland and put their money where their hearts are’ The results are in and everyone involved has declared last Friday’s ‘Plaid Friday’ event in Oakland a resounding success. Hundreds of businesses citywide, including more than 45 businesses located in the Downtown and Lake Merritt/Uptown community benefit districts, participated in the day-long event which included free parking in city-owned lots and garages and at meters, professional gift wrapping, a visit from Santa, food vendors and a host of live entertainment. This year’s event, the fifth ‘mall-ternative’ shopping event in Oakland, included the transformation of Latham Square into a festive winter wonderland where more than 30 “pop-up” artisans displayed and sold artwork and gifts. Additionally, throughout the evening, dozens of pop-up vendors wer
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