'Shop Small' and Keep Your Dollars in Elmhurst

Between the pre-dawn madness of Black Friday and the Cyber Monday click-fest, there's another shopping initiative getting a lot of buzz—and this one drives dollars back into the local economy.

The second annual Small Business Saturday, launched by American Express and other public and private organizations, is dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. On Saturday, Nov. 26, patrons are being asked to "shop small" at their favorite local stores.

In additional to the economic boost for Elmhurst, when you keep your dollars local, you'll enjoy smaller crowds, easier parking and more personal service than at the mega-mall.

Elmhurst is full of small businesses. Some have been around for generations, like , mens clothing store, and . Others are newer, like , and

Elmhurst Patch would love to hear which small businesses in town are your favorites. Tell us in the comments where you like to go to get your nails done just right or to find that perfect bottle of wine, unique gift or holiday outfit. Go to our business directory and rate the businesses you frequent.

Your shout-out could help a sector of our economy that has created 65 percent of the net new jobs over the last 17 years.