Shop Locally in Wilmington on Small Business Saturday

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 Wilmington.

According to Chuck DePasquale, the owner of Rocco's Restaurant and Bar, staying in town to shop is important for residents to do whenever possible.

"Supporting the town is key. Keeping revenue in town versus spending elsewhere is important for local businesses," said DePasquale. "We’ve been here 72 years, and hundreds of businesses have come and gone. You can see a pizza shop one day next day it’s a phone store the next. Supporting local business keeps economy going and helps keep the town thriving. It’s important to keep the money local. You can get just about anything here."

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.

Among the businesses participating this year are BodyXpress, Valenti Electronics, Wilmington Window and Door, RMA Fitness, Cooke's Skate Supply, Wilmington House of Pizza, Rocco's and many more. For a complete list, visit the Small Business Saturday website.

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

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.