With Small Business Saturday just two weeks away, the Galloway Township Business Association (GTBA) issued the following statement this week, encouraging Galloway residents to shop locally on Saturday, Nov. 24.

“We are inviting all residents to come out and support Galloway’s small businesses.  This year with the days of bad weather and lost power, our local shops need your backing even more,” GTBA President Mary Crawford said. “So instead of heading out to the mall, why not do some holiday gift shopping at our unique local shops or have a great meal at one of our restaurants.  These shops are owned and employ our friends and neighbors and we need to continue to make Galloway a great place to run a business.”

Small Business Saturday was established two years ago, and is a creation of American Express. The day was established to take place one day after Black Friday, the recognized kickoff to the holiday shopping season that takes place one day after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 23 this year.

It comes two days before Cyber Monday, created to encourage consumers to purchase gifts online. Small Business Saturday focuses on smaller stores, many of which populate Galloway Township, and falls in line with Galloway’s “Buy Local” initiative.