Shop Locally in Shaker Heights on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is today. 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 Shaker Heights.

"The most important reason for people to always shop locally is it puts money in small business owners' pockets, which keeps the economy going," said Joan Pistone, owner of J. Pistone Market and Gathering Place.

"We have 25 people staffed here, and if it wasn't for the support from the people of Shaker Heights, we wouldn't be in business."

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.

The following Shaker Heights businesses will join J. Pistone as part of Small Business Saturday:

• Funktinis Art & Home Decor
• The Smooth Cha-Chas
• Rettger-Ivory Inc
• The A.L. Wain Company

Click this link to find other participating businesses in Greater Cleveland.

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.