Despite pesky inflation, mass layoffs and high interest rates, American retailers have great expectations at the starting gate to the 2025 holiday shopping spree. In fact, the National Retail Federation predicts this will be our nation’s first $1 trillion Christmas-buying frenzy.

Clearly, we still want to celebrate and give, but many nonetheless are watching their purchase decisions ever more closely in search of the best value for their hard-earned buck. Part of that decision-making should focus on support for small businesses, the lifeblood of local economies here in the Mahoning Valley and across the nation.

After the rush and crush of Black Friday yesterday, it’s important for holiday shoppers to keep the momentum going and to keep our local, small shops in mind as they continue their spending today, Small Business Saturday. It is, after all, our nation’s 36 million small, locally owned businesses that stand as the heart of our communities.

Saturday marks the 16th annual Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate, or better yet, shop or dine at small businesses — what the U.S. Small Business Administration calls “the engines” of the economy.

Indeed they are, for many reasons.

Of course, there are locally employed folks working for the big-box 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. Small businesses support the rest of us, too. They sponsor sports teams and school concerts. They organize cleanup efforts and food drives. Many times they give back more to the community, and in a way that cannot be replicated by the large, national (or global) retailers.

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 — gifts that will stand out. The recipient will know there was truly some thought put into such a present.

And, 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; and, unlike Cyber Monday commerce, customer service is on-site.

In short, this Small Business Saturday should be an enjoyable shopping experience and one that benefits all involved. Many opportunities avail themselves in the Valley to partake in that one-of-a-kind experience.

In Trumbull County, start your day with the annual Small Business Saturday Gingerbread Walk though a slew of small businesses in Cortland. The event features horse and carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, prizes and, most importantly, special deals at a wide array of stores, restaurants, specialty shops, crafters and more. The walk runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on High Street in the heart of Cortland.

In Mahoning County, Spellbound Sisters Bookstore and Cafe on Lockwood Boulevard in Boardman is hosting a Small Business Saturday Market featuring a wide variety of local businesses, artisans and crafters with unique items for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Columbiana County, the Dutch Cupboard and other businesses in the Dutch Village near Das Dutch House restaurant are taking part in Small Business Saturday with special deals

Other special events beyond Saturday also are planned such as the Youngstown Flea’s Holiday Market on East Boardman Street in downtown Youngstown Dec. 6-7 and a small business crawl through many shops and stores along Market Street in Boardman Dec. 12-14.

But don’t stop with these and other small business-focused events. One day of committed locally focused commerce 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 once you’ve found your favorites, keep going all year long.