Shop Locally in Westwood, Hillsdale, Washington Twp. 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 Westwood, Washington Township and Hillsdale.

Local business owners were hopeful that the day could lead to increased sales.

Pets Unlimited owner Susan Weinrich said that, historically, more people go to the malls than to downtown Westwood on Black Friday.

"Black Friday does not really affect the small town of Westwood," she said. "Small Business Saturday might make a difference.

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.

Here is a list of local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday:

Shopping:

• Westwood Pets Unlimited
• Society Men
• Westwood Gallery
• Bellagio Jewelers
• Guess What's New
• Tyrrells Florist
• Daniela's Boutique
• Girard Interiors
• Shaw's Book Shop
• Parian Jewelers
• Fabulous Finds
• Andrew's Discount Liquors
• Conrad's Confectionary
• Hartly
• Monte Carlo
• Mount Everest Ski and Snowboard
• Current Consignment
• Olive Branch & Grape Vine
• Blooming Hearts Treasure Shop
• Music Merchant
• Tender is the Night Lingerie
• Sneaker Lounge
• Irish Eyes
• Laviano Jewelers
• Anais
• Ginger N' Cream
• Avanti Moda
• The Game Zone
• Andrew's Clocks & Watches
• Yarn Diva
• Amir Jewelry
• Infinity Flowers
• Ambition Dance Academy

Dining:

• Mezza
• Sogno Coffeehouse
• Goldberg's Bagels
• Osaka Sushi
• The Rolling Pin Cafe
• Iron Horse
• Jack's Cafe
• Furama Chinese Restaurant
• Granita Grille
• Bibi'z Restaurant
• Bat Barry's
• It's Greek to Me
• Flynn's
• Twist
• Banchetto Feast
• Hanami
• Baci
• Chicken Delight
• Big Daddy's Pizza
• Lou's Tavern
• Cortina's
• Seasons
• David's Bagels
• Wing Lee Restaurant
• Italian Touch Deli
• Gyros and Goodies
• Dog House Saloon & Grill
• Pop's Burgers
• Vincent's Trattoria
• Bacari Grill

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.