Shop Los Gatos on Black Friday!

Downtown Los Gatos commercial business district retailers will be offering a variety of products, personalized service, treats and valet parking to woo shoppers away from malls after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Some of the main incentives to shop in the town's core on Black Friday, Nov. 23, according to retailers, are the smaller crowds and same products found at big malls for less money.

Don't expect the local merchants to open at midnight after Thanksgiving or in the wee hours of the morning Friday. Most businesses will still observe normal hours of operation Friday and Saturday for the nation's third annual Small Business Saturday.

Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce office administrator Rei Yamakawa said most businesses open at around 9 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. with big chain stores staying open later until about 8 p.m.

Corporate businesses in downtown Los Gatos include Banana Republic, Talbots, Anthropologie, Apple store, BeneFit, Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, NapaStyle and Restoration Hardware.

"With the holiday shopping season officially starting on Friday we encourage our residents to shop local and take advantage of the great businesses we have in Los Gatos," said Ronee Nassi, executive director of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.

Valet parking makes the ordeal easier and the local businesses deserve the community’s support, she added. "Make a day of it. Valet your car, shop, eat, visit a spa and enjoy Los Gatos during the holidays and all year round," she said.

The free valet parking, sponsored by the Town of Los Gatos, is located behind Purrsnickety and Bow Wowzer. Signs will be posted leading shoppers to the location, which begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 9 p.m. The service continues through Christmas Eve, Nassi said. Tipping is optional.