Small Business Saturday Turns Spotlight on Local Shops

Welcome to Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to reminding people how valuable small businesses are to their communities. The village atmosphere in Sherman Oaks is created in large part by these shops, which offer convenience, employment and bargains.

The malls get more news coverage, but small businesses are valuable sources of unique or hard-to-find items and special services. During the holiday season we will be featuring the wide range of shops that are a part of Sherman Oaks' retail economy. We'll begin today by listing seven of the small businesses along Ventura Boulevard.

This shop offers bicycle sales, service, repairs and tune-ups. A wide variety of bikes is available; prices start at about $279, and "the sky is the limit," says shop owner Dennis Davis.

Duty-Free Discount Perfumes, 15053 Ventura Blvd.

It's the best smelling store in the Valley. Owner Tony Dolbakian says his duty-free shop has the largest collection of perfumes and colognes in Los Angeles. "It's the perfect gift for anyone on your list," he says. He carries rare scented products that come from all over the world; prices range from $10 to more than $1,000.

This shop offers grooming, dog and cat day care, and dog socialization lessons as well as pet supplies. Pickup and delivery are available.

High-quality pre-owned clothing is sold at American Vintage, which is open seven days a week. Many of the shop's items appear to be high-fashion, and quite trendy. Discounts of 50 percent are offered during the holiday season.

Earth-2 has a large inventory of popular comics, including Spiderman, Batman and Aquaman. "Comic books also have an appeal to people who collect the classics," says shop owner Carr D'Angelo.

"This is the time of year that people start thinking about getting into shape and losing those excess pounds," says Jason Cohen, the owner of Alive Fitness. The training center has a range of workout facilities.

International Shalom Gifts, 15135 Ventura Blvd.

With Hanukkah coming, this store, in business for more than 25 years, is a one-stop shop for religious gifts. "We have menoras, mezuzas and decorative items that are perfect for the holidays," says owner Shalom Nedgat.