Big Deals for Small Business Saturday

Small businesses are hoping you'll think of the big box stores on Friday, the retail websites on Monday … oh, and offer them some love in between.

The second annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 is a chance for shoppers to spend a little of that Christmas cash in their community, supporting business owners who keep most of their revenues in the neighborhood, too.

Shopping small will help those mom and pop shops, but it also might put something in your pocket. Here are two great offers:

American Express is offering a one-time $25 statement credit when you register your American Express card and spend more than $25 on Saturday at a qualifying small business.

There are 178 qualifying businesses in Goose Creek and Hanahan, alone, including many of our local restaurants. Visit Small Business Saturday on Facebook for all the details.

Through Dec. 19, the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its $1,000 Holiday Buy Local initiative. Shoppers spending a collected $300 at any Berkeley County store or member of the Berkeley County chamber between Oct. 18 and Dec. 19 can be entered for the grand prize $1,000 in cash.

"It's all about keeping our spending local and what that means to our economy during the busy holiday season," said Bill McCall, president of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, when announcing the contest earlier this fall. "We need to keep as much money in our area as possible."

Studies show that for every $100 spent locally, $45 stays in the community, McCall said.

Drop-off locations for receipts include the Hanahan Municipal Center and Goose Creek City Hall.