Small Business Saturday Encourages Shopping Locally

Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season with big box retailers opening their doors earlier and earlier each year to draw in the most customers. 

In the last decade, Cyber Monday has also become another opportunity for thrifty shoppers to find the best deals online.

But with all attention on the malls and megastores, small businesses were lost in the shuffle. Last year, American Express began its Small Business Saturday campaign, which encourages shoppers to buy products locally from neighborhood stores.

This year Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 26.

Audrey Bragg, president of the Riverdale Park Business Association, says although she's not aware of any Riverdale Park businesses officially participating in the Small Business Saturday, she thinks it's a great idea.

"Providing the revenue for the community is only a small advantage of shopping local," Bragg said. "Businesses in your neighborhood remember your name, they know you. It has been my experience that the small business owners are very quick to help residents in their community when they experience a tragedy or other set back. They are always agreeable to help with community events. They always listen and welcome suggestions. They connect the neighborhood."

Riverdale Park's small business owners can help brand themselves with the help of AMEX's website, which dedicates itself to helping owners create a Facebook following, YouTube videos and more in order to garner attention.

For residents in Riverdale and University Park, there are many small businesses in the area that provide services and products as well as family-owned restaurants.

This story has been updated.

So who will you support this Small Business Saturday? What small business can you not live without? Tell us in the comments section below.