Small Business Saturday Offers Great Deal For Local Businesses, Shoppers

The nightmare of Black Friday has come and gone... for the most part most.

Now, it's time for Small Business Saturday, where local residents can flex their consumerist muscle by showing support for vendors and small businesses on Saturday, Nov. 24.

The American Express-sponsored initiative bears additional weight this year after Hurricane Sandy earlier this month forced many businesses in our area to shutter their doors for, in many cases, more than a week.

Those small businesses rely on local customers, especially during the holiday season, according to Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce President Jay Vidockler. 

"Shopping locally has benefits such as supporting the town and its organizations, fire department, ambulance corp, etc., as thriving businesses donate and support them," Vidockler said. "Working together keeps Wyckoff one of the greatest towns we love to live and work in."

Amex is providing direct financial support to cardmembers for those that shop locally on "Small Business Saturday" on November 24th.

Cardholders can visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/ to register their card to be eligable for a $25 credit. 

A number of local businesses are offering special deals in conjunction with the Amex program: 

Local exercise studio, Fitness Together, is having a 50 percent off sale on training sessions. 

Franklin Avenue business The Good China Company is having a half-off sale on all in stock Lenox, a 30 percent off sale on Waterford and Marquis ornaments, and offering a $26 deal on Kate Spade salt and pepper shakers.

Wyckoff-based Industry Portage Co. is offering 50 percent off all items online, Saturday and Sunday with free delivery to the Wyckoff area.

For more participating businesses click through to the Amex Small Business Saturday website and enter your zip code.

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.

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.

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

You can also “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Joseph M. Gerace at Joseph.Gerace@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.