Shop Local This Fall In Chester For Small Business Saturday

CHESTER, NJ — Now that Halloween has passed, some folks may be ready to get into the holiday mood and go shopping for the right stocking stuffers and gifts to give during the forthcoming holidays.

Small Business Saturday, which falls between two shopping mega-holidays—Black Friday and Cyber Monday—is a great way to support the local Chester community while getting started on your holiday shopping list.

This year, the shopping event is scheduled for Nov. 25.

Small Business Saturday was started by American Express during the 2010 recession, and since then, people have been encouraged to support small businesses, which are the lifeblood of every community.

The day quickly gained popularity and spread across the country, with the Senate unanimously passing a resolution in support of it in 2011.

The Historic Chester Business Association, an association with more than 48 years of dedication to Chester's local businesses, also wants to encourage shoppers to consider Chester for their holiday shopping.

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign that promotes and elevates small businesses while encouraging consumers to shop locally. It all comes down to supporting small businesses in the run-up to the holiday season in order to help local communities and economies thrive, officials said.

Chester has over 80 boutique shops as well as eateries serving food and treats. People can likely find something for everyone on their list in Chester's downtown, from home decor to jewelry to clothing to toys to pet products to one-of-a-kind gifts.

"Keeping our neighborhood shops in business...that's what Small Business Saturday is all about," the Historic Chester Business Association said.

Some highlighted businesses include:

• You're Not In Kansas Anymore
• Perfect Treasure
• Chester Candle Company
• Comfortably Chic
• A World of Birds
• Mercantile on Main
• Penny Lane
• Serendipity Toys and Books
• Steam Soapery
• Antiques by Chester Crafts & Collectibles

For a full list of HCBA establishments in Chester, visit www.ilovechester.com.