'Shop Local' Holiday Season Push Gets a Boost on Small Business Saturday

This seasonal greeting comes from hometown merchants: Don't be in thrall to the mall.

They're spreading the word via social media and window signs with help from American Express, organizer of the second annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. The credit card issuer promotes a nationwide "day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends," it explains online. "We’re asking millions of Americans to 'shop small' at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge."

The firm puts money where its promotion is by offering a one-time $25 rebate to shoppers spending at least $25 at a small business after registering their credit card here. Any non-franchised, locally owned shop qualifies if it accepts American Express.  

That covers lots of boutiques, bakers and basket-makers throughout the area.

Businesses you can frequent in support of the movement in Farmington and Farmington Hills include:

Restaurants

Hobbies

Salons, spas

Automotive, hardware

Toys, children stores

Photography, art galleries

• Robert Bowden Photography

Home decor

 Clothing, accessories retailers

Find other eligible locations on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page, where you can search by ZIP code.