12:40 PM: Alki Beach was our first stop on a spot-check of local small businesses as this year’s Shop Small Saturday continues. Coastal Boutique at 58th SW and Alki Ave, to be specific. Lots of beach gear – even if you’re going to a faraway beach (swimwear is always in stock, but hard to find elsewhere this time of year. But popular items include apparel at the other end of the weather spectrum, like this “commuter jacket” from Mia Melon:

Next – we’re headed to Admiral, The Junction, and Morgan Junction!

ADDED 1:25 PM: Alki Bike and Board is one of your potential Shop Small Saturday stops in Admiral, on California just south of Admiral Way:

That’s Will with one of the hybrid electric bikes in stock at AB&B. We continued southbound to The Junction, where Menashe and Sons Jewelers (4532 California SW; WSB sponsor) proprietor Jack Menashe paused to pose with Father Christmas, one of the shop’s many unique Christmas decorations:

Christmas decorations, you’re probably well aware, are a big thing for the Menashe family. Meantime, The Junction is decked with garlands, and the sidewalks bustled during a break in the rain. We stopped at toy store Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), where proprietor Ann Walker pointed out that their selection of books just keeps expanding:

Outside CKS, we happened onto one of West Seattle’s most famous parents, County Executive Dow Constantine, with daughter Sabrina, out shopping and dining – which reminds us: Some local eating/drinking spots are having Shop Small Saturday specials too (some are on the list that the West Seattle Junction Association put together for today).

ADDED 1:53 PM: Just heard from co-proprietor Lori McConnell at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – they’re offering 10 percent off today, among other things.

ADDED 2:52 PM: Now, to Morgan Junction, which has an increasingly thriving retail area. We stopped by the south end, where you’ll find My Three Little Birds (6959 California SW; WSB sponsor). Lots of kid stuff here including Seahawks-fan gear for even the tiniest 12s:

M3LB is having a BOGO-half-off sale today. A short distance north, you’ll also find sales at Second Gear Sports (6529 California SW; WSB sponsor). And again, all of the above is only a sampling of Shop Small Saturday – you still have a few hours to get out to your favorite local indie businesses (or discover new ones!) – and they’ll be happy to see you all season/year long, too.