Earlier Than the Bird

We've all heard that the Early Bird Catches the worm...well we want to catch the gift of shopping dollars, so join us as we start the Holiday Shopping! We are ready to get the shoppers flocking in to your stores and getting their Holiday Shopping off to a big start. 

We are kicking off the 20th annual shopping campaign called "Earlier Than The Bird".  Many shopping districts around the country have implemented this, capturing those holiday shopping dollars before Thanksgiving kicks off the spending season. This is before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. We want access to their Gift lists before big box retailers swoop in. This event has grown substantially each year!

Earlier than the Bird is designed to have shoppers leave their non-shoppers at home snuggled in their nests, while they grab their “gaggle of gift-getting guys and gals” and head downtown with their holiday shopping lists! LDI is ready to get you started in a big way! Our shoppers will be encouraged to make an early morning out of this day, having coffee, grabbing breakfast and finding great deals on the right gifts for all of the special folks in their lives.

New this year: the Mimosa Stroll!
Add some sparkle to your shopping with our new Mimosa Stroll, featuring 1oz mimosa samples at participating locations. Each ticket includes a commemorative glass and access to delicious samples throughout downtown.

Businesses do not have to participate in the mimosa stroll to be listed on the pass. Participants do not have to purchase a mimosa tasting ticket to participate in the shopping!

Business Details for Mimosa Tasting:

Livermore Downtown Inc. will be securing a ABC license for the participating businesses for the event. Businesses will need to have their property owners complete the "ABC Business Participation Form" and return it to LDI no later than Friday, October 17th in addition to participation application.

LDI to Provide: 

• ABC License to be displayed at the pouring station.
• Wine Pour sheet to be displayed at the pouring location.
• No alcohol beyond this point sign.
• One case of Champagne from alcohol distributor (business to pay for approx. $60-80)

Business to Provide:

• Ice – at least 2-3 bags.
• Cost of one case of champagne.
• Juice of your choice to add to champagne sample.
• A table or counter to pour from.
• Your own dump bucket to pour any unwanted wine in (we recommend two – one by the pouring table and one at the exit). We recommend the 5-gallon paint buckets from the hardware store. Hang on to these, we will be adding strolls in 2026!
• Your own Tub or ice chests to put wine and ice to serve.
• Staff/volunteer to pour wine during the event. Be sure they understand the rules. Our event ABC and your participation depends on you and any volunteers and staff following the rules.
• LDI will send rules and details in separate email confirmation.

To make this a really fun time…the first 350 shoppers will receive a free gift from Livermore Downtown Inc., IF they are wearing their pajamas! (Leggings and Sweats do not count).

LDI will also be collecting gift donations for teenagers for Tri-Valley Haven.  Shoppers will be entered for a gift basket giveaway for donating. We will be forwarding you all a list of gift ideas for teens that Tri-Valley Haven will be putting together. If you carry any of these items, make sure you highlight those in your displays as many attendees may not know of the donation drive in advance and will buy things day-of! If you would like to donate a gift basket of goodies from your location, please call or email Kara at executivedirector@livermoredowntown.com.  

What do you need to do to participate?
Complete the participation agreement by Friday, October 17th . 

Then, be open at 7:00 AM Saturday November 22nd. Have special holiday deals only for those who come in between 7AM and 10AM. Have a special gift or incentive for those that come in wearing their pajamas. You may want to organize a shopping registry as well that allows those women who are shopping to find the things they themselves may want for Christmas. You can then notify their significant other that you are ready to wrap it up and make their gift shopping sooooo simple! The gift is guaranteed to be something they really want!

We are encouraging that these specials listed on the shopping passport and website be carried over for Small Business Saturday on Saturday the 29th. This will be an incentive for customers to come back as well as increase your overall foot traffic. 

Livermore Downtown Inc. event team

events@livermoredowntown.com