Shop Locally in Holmdel and Hazlet on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24

Today is Small Business Saturday. Squeezed in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is a day to patronize the brick and mortar stores that our towns depend on, and hopefully give them a boost. 

It is estimated that 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday last year, by shopping at their local stores. Local shopkeepers also give back to the Bayshore in many ways. 

For example, Hazlet Pharmacy is offering 20 percent off total purchase in the gift department -- and is donating 10 percent of all gift sales to the Rebuild Project Paul Foundation in Keansburg, which was wiped out by Hurricane Sandy. 

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 up the local economy. 

If you have an eligible American Express card, you have until midnight Saturday to enroll in the American Express Shop Small program. If you use the card to spend $25 or more in a single in-store transaction at a qualifying small business location, you will receive a special $25 statement credit within 8 weeks. 

In Hazlet, some businesses participating in the program include Hazlet Pharmacy and Gift, Lighthouse Cigars at Airport Plaza, Bethany Wines & Liquors in the Staples Shopping Center, Elevate Yoga on Bethany Road and Cerliones Lawn & Garden Equipment on Route 35, at Hazlet Avenue. 

In Holmdel, some include F&F Nurseries on Roberts Road, Holmdel Village Pharmacy, Aroma Skin Spa, and Couture Clothiers. 

There are many more local businesses participating. See which ones, and a map, by visiting www.ShopSmall.com. 

You can also show your support by “liking” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall and your favorite merchants' pages. 

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