Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

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 on Flatbush, Vanderbilt, Underhill, Washington, Classon, Franklin and beyond that are the backbone of America’s economy? Just when do they get their day?

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

Small Business Saturday is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.

American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Celebrating its third year on Nov. 24, the event drew over 100 million people last year, according to the Small Business Saturday website.

Locally owned business across the country now take part in Small Business Saturday, offering their own deals to rival those offered the day before on Black Friday.

There are dozens of small businesses in Prospect Heights that offer great options for gifts. From jewelry and clothing at Awedacity to antiques at Yanatiba, there's a gift for your loved one right down the street. See a list of some of our favorite small businesses.

To find retailers in Prospect Heights that are taking part in the promotion, just visit the Small Business Saturday website, click on “Find Out Where To Shop” in the menu at the top of the screen and type in your ZIP code. (We did the search, seems like anyplace that takes American Express is listed.)

What are your favorite small businesses? Let us know in the comments.