Small Business Saturday brings big crowds and savings to SOCO and OC Mix in Costa Mesa

Big crowds gathered in search of sizable savings during Small Business Saturday at South Coast Collection and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

The annual promotion, first sponsored by American Express in 2010, is meant to shine a spotlight on brick-and-mortar, mom-and-pop-style shops nationwide, as opposed to big-box and online retailers.

On Saturday, shops and restaurants at SOCO and the OC Mix offered giveaways, discounts, gift wrapping, live music and complimentary gift bags for 250 shoppers.

The Good Weekend, a pop-up-shop movement, offered sustainable and socially conscious brands.

Donations were accepted to benefit Project Hope Alliance, a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit that aims to end child homelessness.

The event was one of several around Orange County marking Small Business Saturday.