Shop Locally in Manhattan Beach on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. 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 Manhattan Beach.

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.

"Small business keeps our downtown thriving and is vital to the city of Manhattan Beach," said Mary Ann Varni, executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association. "Small businesses put their whole heart into their business and the community. Small businesses are our friends and neighbors that support us, so we should show our support by shopping small. It benefits us all."

Businesses throughout Manhattan Beach are partaking in the Small Business Saturday celebration this year. To encourage its cardholders to "Shop Small," American Express is offering a $25 bonus to customers who spend $25 or more at a participating small business on Saturday. To take advantage of the bonus, shoppers must enroll their cards online.

Participating businesses include Manhattan Bread & Bagel, Grunion's Sports Bar & Grill, Grow: The Produce Shop, Pet Foods Market, Manhattan Beach Toyota, Surf Concepts, Village Runner, Stephenie's Manhattan, Premier Cleaners and many, many more. Shoppers can find a map with all participating businesses on the American Express website.

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.