Small Business Saturday

Fighting my way through Black Friday crowds at big box stores for "door-buster" promotions holds little appeal; yet I certainly don't go out of my way to abstain from shopping over Thanksgiving weekend. American Express is promoting the first-ever Small Business Saturday aimed at supporting one of their core market segments: small retailers. If you have time tomorrow, take an hour to stroll down downtown and patronize a local business. If the weather outside is frightful, here are some of my favorite places to find small businesses online:

Etsy: The ultimate affordable art gallery… thousands of artists and craftsmen sell their wares. The selection can be overwhelming, but it's great fun to explore.

Taigan: An online mall filled with some of the finest boutiques from around the country. Each store has a beautifully edited selection of stylish wares.

Desquval: Always ahead of the fashion curve? Here you find quality and value while supporting the ateliers of emerging designers.