The notion of a “mom-and-pop” business has become something of an endangered species, what with the rise of internet shopping on Amazon and the explosion of giant retail outlets like Walmart – even in the wake of some major chains such as Target and Walgreens moving out of certain cities due to crime and other unfortunate factors. 

The way we see it, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses, whatever product they sell, if only to cheer on their resilience during these super-challenging times. The following represents our picks for some of the best local family-owned businesses around Woodland Hills worth checking out. 

Wood n Hanger, located at 22536 Ventura Boulevard, was established in 2014 as a mother-and-daughter duo business that caters to a wide range of sassy Los Angeles women, offering something for everyone and taking the time to personally assist each customer in finding that perfect sundress, curve-hugging top or ideal outfit-crowning accessory. Whether it’s clothing, jewelry, candles, or incredible gift items, Wood n Hanger has everything for every recipient – and occasion. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm, closed Sunday and Monday. 

Kennedy Surfboards, located at 22026 Ventura Boulevard, remains a gem amongst L.A. surfing enthusiasts, both young and old, offering a community-esque shopping feel, quality gear, knowledgeable staff, and a team boasting an unyielding passion for the ocean. The owner’s warm, welcoming personality, coupled with his commitment to sustainability and exceptional customer service, makes this surf shop a must-visit destination…one that embodies the spirit of surfing and embraces the local community. Open daily from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Totally Art Studio, located at 22731 Ventura Boulevard, holds weekly classes and events for children to discover and learn through process art and sensory play, leaving the creativity to the young ones and the process of making art nothing but fun. This creative art studio allows children to lead the way and embrace the freedom to fully express themselves through art, with classes available for ages one through 12. Totally Art Studio is also available for private birthday parties, winter/summer camps, and adult craft nights. Don’t miss Totally Art’s new Glow-in-the-Dark Experience for both special events and as a birthday party option. 

De Light Ville, located at 22766 Ventura Boulevard, is an award-winning lighting showroom boasting the largest fine art, visual comfort, and Hudson Valley Gallery in California. From beautiful lighting styles to unique accessories, De Light Ville prides itself on helping you find the perfect piece for your home. The store carries products from major manufacturers, including Access Lighting, Cyan Design, Daleno, Emery Allen, Fanimation Ceiling Fans, Glow, Global Views, Hinkley, James R. Moder and more. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.

Val Surf, located at 22864 Ventura Boulevard, is the brainchild of the Richards family – comprised of Mark, Kurt, Denise, Brandon, and Blake – who are still actively involved in surfing, skating, and snowboarding today, passing down the love of these sports to their children and grandchildren. Val Surf was given the honor of being the oldest surf-skate-snowboard shop in the world, in addition to being recognized as one of the first snowboard shops on the West Coast at the very beginning of snowboarding in 1977. The Richards’ success of their four stores in Valley Village, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Valencia – as well as their online shop – is attributed to the valued and appreciated customers through generations, along with the surrounding communities that have supported them all this time. Are you ready to do your part? Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Fleet Feet, located at 16545 Ventura Boulevard Suite 160 in Encino, isn’t your typical mom-and-pop business in that there are multiple locations throughout the country. Still, it’s worthy of our list because of its executives’ core values: putting people first, doing the right thing, making it a privilege to serve, and creating value with every action taken. The first Fleet Feet store opened its doors in 1976 in Sacramento here in the Golden State, and it has been outfitting runners with the right gear and knowledge ever since. There are now over 260 stores – and counting – in communities nationwide that work towards the brand’s vision of inspiring the runner in everyone. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. 

By buying locally, you help create jobs for your friends and neighbors, contribute to improved public infrastructure, and invest in your community both socially and economically.