Today is Small Business Saturday. Not to be confused certainly with everything that went on yesterday with Black Friday. Today is special because it reminds us that our small, locally-owned businesses are the heart of our communities.

We all shop at the big stores. Certainly there are local folks working for the big guys. But the reality is that when you spend your money with a locally-owned small business, you make an immediate impact — perhaps for an individual, a family, and your community as a whole.

The big guys certainly provided benefits with an array of offerings under a single roof. They employ local folks who pay taxes. The big guys pay plenty of taxes locally, too.

But small businesses support the rest of us, too. They pay their fair share of taxes and they employ local residents. Too, they sponsor sports teams and school concerts. They organize clean-up efforts and food drives as reported on these pages. Many times they give back more to the community — and in a way that cannot be replicated by the large, national (or global) retailers. They are quick to say “thank you,” and “come again,” when you shop. They recognize faces. Some local shop employees can even recite the names of your children. Can’t buy that online.

And, have you ever ordered something online only to discover once it arrived that it wasn’t at all what you expected? Or that the merchant was out of the color you ordered and shipped you something different?

Or maybe shopping at an out-of-town mall and when going to return something been greeted with mobs of people wanting to do the same thing? Personally, we’ve got better things to do with our time.

That would not have happened if you had made your purchase in a local store. Or, have you ever bought an item online only to see it a few days later in a store — at a lower price? Maybe arriving after Christmas or that special birthday or anniversary.

In addition to knowing you are supporting your neighbors when you shop small, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy gifts you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Rather than running the risk of giving someone the same Black Friday flash sale gift they could receive from dozens of other people, shopping at a locally owned business means the opportunity for unusual — sometimes hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind — unique gifts that will stand out. The recipient will know there was truly some thought put into such a present.

Looking for the perfect gift? It’s out there — or, rather, right here at home — and there is an excellent chance it is something you would never have spotted online or while wading through customer traffic and waiting in line for an interminable amount of time at a big guy store.

On top of all those wonderful reasons to shop small, the experience itself is likely to be better, as you will be dealing with employees who are far more likely to be genuinely knowledgeable and helpful. Customer service is on site. Your phone call won’t be put on hold.

And, isn’t just plain cool to take a nostalgic stroll through yesteryears and recall shopping in our local downtowns and villages — before the big guys arrived?

After the rush and crush of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday should be an enjoyable shopping experience and one that benefits all involved. But don’t stop there. One day will not sustain a local small business — a loyal, regular customer base will. Take advantage of all the locally-owned businesses have to offer this weekend and right until Christmas. Once you’ve found your favorites, keep it up all year long.