Oakland Shopping

Did you know that up until 2002 (when People's Market opened) there were no grocery stores in West Oakland? There were 53 liquor stores. This project challenges lots of the "market assumptions" that I hate to admit have moved jobs and money out of "undesirable/unmarketable" communities. We need to support mom & pop markets in these communities.

I love inspiring projects like this that sprout up like fruits through the cracks in the concrete.

The People Market provides the West Oakland community:
Healthy food
Employment
Adult cooking classes
Urban Agriculture classes and resources

This project was promoted by Karma Tube at http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=361

What to buy: Healthy, organic, environmentally aware, locally produced groceries

This is the cutest little upscale deli with great grocery items that you don't see everyday. The cheese section is tiny but packed. The staff is knows their stuff. There is a wine store, an olive oil section, pastries, coffee, good chocolates, produce, meats, seafood and of course the DELI counter. Always lots of people in line for the deli.

I love the salads and the homemade soups. I buy most of food here to serve on my private jets when I fly out of OAK. My passengers are always happy with everything.

What to buy: I would buy fresh flowers for my plane, then go inside have a coffee, sit relax and write out my grocery list. I would buy way too much then stop and buy chocolates for the jet and myself.

What to pay: Prices are about on par with Whole Foods.

Great, eclectic and intimate gift store, targeted to women between 25 +. Looking for an unusual outfit, antiquey home furnishing, jewelry, or European bath and beauty products? Then this place is for you.

What to buy: I happened to find the coolest Zazou "Mod" 100% silk scarf featuring graphics of Twiggy and other 60s icons here.

What to pay: $5 to $200

Jack London Square - This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic Boardwalk, catch a movie or just relax at a sunny side walk cafe. (510) 814-6000

24th Street - Stroll the main street in cozy Noe Valley and find cafes, bakeries and boutiques. Easily accessible by public transportation. (Between Castro & Church streets)

Chinatown - Chinese specialty shops, produce and fish markets, herb pharmacies, book and art stores line the busy streets. Restaurants are also a big draw for visitors. (Grant Avenue)

Clement Street - Restaurants, book and record stores, Irish pubs, coffee houses and Chinese produce markets make this colorful neighborhood popular with locals & newcomers alike.

Fillmore Street - Running through the heart of Pacific Heights is Fillmore Street, lined with boutiques, upscale eateries and popular bars. (Between Jackson and O'Farrell Streets)

Hayes Street - A budding neighborhood shopping district. Galleries, furniture stores and urban clothing boutiques. Cafes and restaurants. Near the Civic Center.

Jackson Square - With its narrow lanes, Victorian architecture and brick buildings,
this historic area is an excellent area for antique shopping.

Polk Street - This "gulch" between Pacific Heights and Nob and Russian Hills is a diverse neighborhood with many specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants and antique stores.

Union Square - Within a 1/2 mile radius of the square is every major department store and specialty store imaginable. Shop 'til' you drop!

USED jeans and designer clothes at very LOW prices. Lots of funky stuff that I love. Always new things every day.

What to pay: 2 dollars up to 30 dollars for jeans