Who Gets Your 'Small Business Saturday' Love?

Let's face it: There are a lot of big, big businesses out there.

And, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Many of these large businesses provide us with some of our most needed services. Many of them employ our friends, our neighbors, our families – and, for that, we are grateful.

Still, there is something about a mom-and-pop shop, the local place, the place where everyone recognizes your face. You know more of the money you spend there has a better chance of staying in your community. Not only do these places employ your friends, your neighbors, your families, a lot of these businesses are owned by them. Whatever your reason, there is something special about small business.

Barnegat residents don't have to go very far to find shops to patronize Saturday. From well-loved bars and restaurants (think gift certificates!) to antique stores gallore to gift and flower shops, there are a lot of places to buy that call our township home.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce offers a directory of small businesses that are offering holiday season deals to consumers.

But when you celebrate "Small Business Saturday" Nov. 26, where will you shop? What business gets your money and time and, hopefully, a "thank you"?

Use this space to offer your "shout outs" to local stores. Call it Patch's love letter to our small businesses, signed by all of you. Chime in below.