Small Business Saturday: Shop Jefferson

Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves.

What about those mom-and-pop businesses all over Jefferson?

That’s basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on.

American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Hopatcong and Sparta. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally-owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities.

Locally-owned businesses across the country now take part in Small Business Saturday, offering their own deals to rival those offered the day before on Black Friday. Some local shops are, however, offering Black Friday specials as well.

At Buccieri's Gems & Jewelry in Oak Ridge, owner Kathy Buccieri said the store is offering 40 percent off select items the whole weekend, and 15 percent off everything in the store on Small Business Saturday.

Country Cottage Antiques on Route 15 is offering 20 percent off entire purches, according to owner Melanie Drew.

President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Dr. Bret Hartman said local businesse are important because the money goes back into the community at a higher rate than large retail stores.

"When you shop local 45 out of 100 dollars goes back into the local community, whereas if you shop at big stores, it's 14 dollars out of 100," he said.

Here are some of the local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, as per the Small Business Saturday website. To find participating businesses in towns nearby, click on “Find Out Where To Shop” in the menu at the top of the screen and type in the ZIP code of your choice.

• Espanong Market
• Jefferson Diner
• Red Hot DVD
• Embroider This
• Speedy Mart
• DC Signature Gifts
• Marilette's Garden Shop
• A. Bridal Co.
• Portofino's Restaurant
• Country Cottage Antiques
• Prima's Gourmet Pizza
• J. Tobacco
• Chopstick & Sushi Restaurant
• J-Towne Tavern
• Casa Irie
• Gig the Florist
• Flash Marina
• Frank's Pizza & Restaurant
• Liquor Factory
• Ridge Steak & Ale LLC
• Jefferson Pharmacy
• Bas Auto Parts
• Magic Touch Cleaners
• Jefferson Nails
• Vip Nails
• Angles Hair Salon

Everyone has locally owned businesses in their community, and shopping on Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to give back to the businesses you know and love in your community.

TELL US: What small businesses do you patronize in your town and what makes them great? Share in the comments below.