Shop Small Today - Support Your Local Businesses

No doubt about it: There are a lot of big, big businesses out there.

And, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Many of these large businesses provide us with some of our most needed services. Many of them employ our friends, our neighbors, our families–and, for that, we are grateful.

Still, there is something about a Mom-and-Pop Shop, the local place, the place where everyone recognizes your face. You know more of the money you spend there has a better chance of staying in your community. Not only do these places employ your friends, your neighbors, your families, a lot of these businesses are owned by them. Whatever your reason, there is something special about small business.

You won't find any big box stores in Berkeley, Beachwood, Pine Beach and Ocean Gate. But there are plenty of small businesses in our area. From a multitude of restaurants to operations that provide some of our most basic, needed, or just wanted services, there are a lot of places that call these towns home.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce offers a directory of small businesses that are offering holiday season deals to consumers.

But when you celebrate "Small Business Saturday" on Nov. 26, where will you patronize? What business gets your money and time and, hopefully, a "thank you" for being a part of this varied and colorful canvas?

Give your "shout outs" to your favorite local businesses in the comments section. Call it Patch's love letter to our small businesses, signed by all of you. Chime in below.

I'll get us started. I've been going to "Wood N' Things" on the corner of Route 9 and Harpoon Street in Beachwood for many years.

In an economy where many gift shops have folded, Rich and Wilma Augustino continue to flourish. Stop by for a variety of unique gifts - some made by Rich and Wilma - this holiday season. You won't need to bring any pepper spray with you!

And check out their website at www.aboutwoodnthings.com.