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Shop small this season

The holiday rush is officially on, with people flocking to retail stores and outlets on Black Friday after they finished their Thanksgiving feasts.

On Monday, many will take to the internet, seeking Cyber Monday deals on everything imaginable.

In between, local downtown business districts were set to host Small Business Saturday events. These activities aim to attract attention to the independently owned shops, boutiques, salons and eateries that line the main streets of our cities and villages.

These are the businesses whose names you will see on the backs of kids’ baseball jerseys. These are the shops that will allow local organizations to put collection jars or bins on their counters to accept donations of change or used eye glasses. These are the businessmen and women who will go out of their way to place a special order for you.

Small businesses play vital roles within our communities. Not only are they the places to find goods and services that you simply cannot track down elsewhere, but they are owned and operated by your friends and neighbors — people you grew up with, who have a real connection with and commitment to the region.

Small Business Saturday is a great time to explore some of these establishments and to provide support for them in the forms of patronage and purchases. But it certainly is not the only time to do those things.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season gains momentum, remember that you can turn to these businesses at any time. And they deserve your support year-round.

So, while you are seeking the perfect gift for your significant other, or while you’re hunting for something special to give that niece or nephew who you haven’t seen in a year, remember that small, locally owned businesses are likely to have the solution to your problem.

We urge our readers to shop small and spend local whenever possible. It’s just one more way to support your community.

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