"Plaid Friday" Instead of Black Friday

Jen Komaromi of El Cerrito says Black Friday tomorrow will be "Plaid Friday" for her.

She contacted Patch to let us know that the cafe on Stockton Avenue, which Komaromi co-owns with her husband Kevin O'Neal, will observe Plaid Friday by offering a dollar off on coffee beverages to those wearing plaid or even to those who mention plaid.

And Komaromi's shop next door, , will give a $5 discount on purchases of at least $25 to plaid-sporting customers.

"We're having fun with it," said Komaromi. "We are encouraging folks to wear their wackiest plaid."

Plaid Friday, launched last year in Oakland, got a big boost when it was featured on an NPR program, "Is Plaid the New Black?"

Komaromi said she learned of Plaid Friday from a friend who heard the NPR program. "It inspired him to go out on Friday to small businesses instead of big-box stores," she said.

What if customers want to buy plaid on Plaid Friday?

"You know," Komaromi said as she paused and looked around her shop, "I don't sell any plaid."

On Saturday, Komaromi said Jenny K and Well Grounded will join small businesses across the country participating in Small Business Saturday, on which American Express, an advertiser on Patch, is offering $25 back to American Express card users who register in advance.

Further up Stockton, Kathleen Glenn of and Kate Peterson of the new jewelry and gift boutique, adorn & flourish, said they aren't observing Plaid Friday per se but will have refreshments and will treat Friday as a special day, and will do the same on Small Business Saturday.

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