Small Business Saturday: Shop Small At These Local Berkeley Spots

BERKELEY, NJ — Once Thanksgiving hits, it's immediately time to think about holiday gift-giving (if you haven't already been doing so, that is).

Of course, Black Friday is coming up, but that tends to focus on national brands, as does Cyber Monday. But Small Business Saturday is a way to give back to your local community by supporting those who also made their homes here.

Experts agree that shopping small matters -two-thirds of every dollar spent at a local business remains in the community, according to most estimates. There's a little more to the so-called “local multiplier effect,” according to the American Independent Business Alliance.

A study from that group found that, on average, 48 percent of every purchase at a local independent business is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores.

And the majority of small business owners - 88 percent - said that their businesses need the community's support given the current economic environment, according to the 2023 American Express Shop Small Impact Study. American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 and since then, estimates consumers have spent $184 billion on the day.

This year, from Nov. 20-25, eligible American Express Card Members who make a single purchase of $50 or more by using their enrolled eligible Card at U.S. retailers in the “Shopping” category on the Shop Small Map or online directory, can earn a one-time, $5 statement credit. Enrollment is required and is limited.

Check out some of the participating local small businesses below, and see even more on American Express's map here.

1. The Vinyl Dinosaur - 521 Atlantic City Blvd.
2. Always Something Special - 950 Atlantic City Blvd.
3. Atlantic City Jewelry - 437 Atlantic City Blvd.
4. Oil Xchange -468 Atlantic City Blvd.
5. Enchanted Herbs and Crystals - 9 Butler Blvd.
6. Cucina Fresca Italian Market - 791 Atlantic City Blvd.
7. EZ Liquors Holly Park - 699 Atlantic City Blvd.
8. A Blossom Shop Florist - 66 Atlantic City Blvd. Ste. 1
9. Off The Racks - 950 Atlantic City Blvd.
10. Part-Rite - 19 Butler Ave.