Black Friday May Dominate Many Pocketbooks, But Remember Brick Businesses On Small Business Saturday

You’ve got your sales highlighted, your routes planned, and you’re all ready for Black Friday and its mega-sales.

Chances are, you won’t be done with your shopping. And with that in mind, local merchants are urging shoppers to remember them on Small Business Saturday.

The “Small Business Saturday” movement began five years ago, as a way to encourage customers to patronize their local stores, according to the American Express company’s website, a promoter of the event. Spending locally has an impact within the community, as the company hires local residents to work, and in turn their money goes back into the local economy.

The U.S. Senate officially recognized the day in 2011, and American Express continues to promote the topic today. On the American Express Small Business Saturday website you can find local small businesses near you.

In Brick there are dozens of small businesses that offer items that can add a special touch to gift-giving.

American Express also offers incentives to its customers who use their American Express card for purchases from participating businesses on Saturday, according to the site.

In Brick, residents have an opportunity at a different kind of rebate -- a credit applied to their property taxes -- when they shop at participating local stores.

“Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Many of our small business owners have deep roots in Brick Township. They were born here, went to school here and continue to live here,” Mayor John Ducey said. “They give back a great deal to Brick Township and I encourage all residents to support them and show your appreciation for all they do for our community.”

The Buy In Brick property tax rewards program, a year-round program, further encourages residents to shop locally by offering the opportunity to earn credits towards property taxes.

Participating businesses offer a rebate to Buy In Brick cardholders when they do business at a participating merchant through rebates applied to their property taxes.

“This program is a win-win for the entire community. It gives residents the opportunity to lower the amount of money they pay in property taxes by shopping in town. For business owners, it gives them the opportunity to promote their business and gain a lot of new customers and make sure their current customers keep doing business with them,” said Mayor Ducey.

As of Nov. 26, the following businesses have joined Buy In Brick: River Rock Marina and Restaurant, River Rock Liquors, Dura-plex Windows and Home, IHOP of Brick, All Pro Carpet Care, Shore Points Driving School, Black Sheep Thrift Shop, The UPS Store, Dr. Kenneth F. Diana DDS, Jersey Shore Eye Care, Jovo’s Deli and Produce, Future Dry Cleaners, Soccer Post, Salon Milan, Off the Wall Picture Framing and Art Gallery, Jersey Shore Marina, Barlo and Associates, Décor to Score, Joe’s Service Center and Towing, Come 2 Mama’s, Coastal Chaos: The Waterfront Restaurant, Dash Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning, Holistic Health Spa, Cedar Bridge Dental Associates, John Paul Builders, Parkway Pizza, Jayne’s Elegant Events, Jersey Waves Salon, Villa Vittoria, Azzurro Italian Ristorante and Pizzeria and Blaine’s Jewelry Box.

For a list of contact, location and rebate information for each, visit www.bricktownship.net and click on Buy In Brick or visitwww.propertytaxcard.com/buyinbrick.

“This program is a win-win for the entire community. It gives residents the opportunity to lower the amount of money they pay in property taxes by shopping in town. For business owners, it gives them the opportunity to promote their business and gain a lot of new customers and make sure their current customers keep doing business with them,” Ducey said.

Buy In Brick cards are free and can be picked up in the Municipal Building during regular business hours. There are instructions on how to get a card if you cannot get to the Municipal Building during regular hours on the Buy In Brick on the Township website.

Any business owner interested in joining Buy In Brick can contact FinCredit at 732-946-0919 or by email at admin@propertytaxcard.com. For additional information about the program, please call 732-262-1050.