Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. Not to be confused certainly with everything going on today —  Black Friday — which seem to have become some kind of national holiday. Saturday is special because it reminds us that our small, locally-owned businesses are the heart of our communities.

We all shop at the big stores. Certainly there are local folks working for the big guys. But the reality is that when you spend at least some of your shopping money with a locally-owned small business, you make an immediate impact — perhaps for an individual, a family, and your community as a whole.

The big guys certainly provide benefits with an array of offerings under a single roof. They employ local folks who pay taxes. The big guys pay plenty of taxes locally, too.

But small businesses support the rest of us, too. They pay their fair share of taxes and they employ local residents. Too, they sponsor sports teams and school concerts. They organize clean-up 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. They are quick to say “thank you” and “come again” when you shop. They recognize faces. Some local shop employees can even recite the names of your children. When was the last time you got lost wandering a small local store while looking for something? Thought so. It seems some of the giant stores have mazes in them.

Small businesses support the communities they serve much more lavishly than do large national or global retailers. A University of Central Oklahoma study found that small businesses assist community groups and nonprofits 250 percent more than large-scale retailers. This information comes via our sister newspaper, The Vindicator.

Also, independent businesses create about two-thirds of private sector jobs, according to the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, a nonprofit that advocates building strong local economies. Every $10 million of spending at local businesses creates 57 jobs, whereas the same spending at Amazon or other national or international retailers creates 14 jobs at the mega business, the organization reports. In addition, local independent businesses are responsible for the bulk of economic growth, employing about 77 million Americans and thereby enhancing economic stability in communities large and small.

Small businesses of all varieties — from jewelers to craft shops to clothing stores to restaurants — in every nook and cranny of our region will feature special promotions to draw customers on what traditionally has become the busiest business day of the year for them.

And, have you ever ordered something online only to discover once it arrived that it wasn’t at all what you expected? Or that the merchant was out of the color you ordered and shipped you something different? Or, have you ever bought an item online only to see it a few days later in a store — at a lower price? Or maybe even your delivery was victimized by a porch bandit? Or someone swiped your personal info off an ordering site? That would not have happened if you had made your purchase in a local store. Or maybe shopping at an out-of-town mall and when going to return something been greeted with mobs of people wanting to do the same thing? Often with burned-out retail associates who aren’t at their most pleasant bests? Personally, we’ve got better things to do with our time.

And, on top of all those great selling points to shop small, the experience itself is likely to be better, as shoppers will be dealing with employees who are far more likely to be genuinely knowledgeable and helpful, and customer service most often is a relatively hassle- free experience. That’s because independent business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling.

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

Looking for the perfect gift? It’s out there — or, rather, right here at home — and there is an excellent chance it is something you would never have spotted online or while wading through customer traffic and waiting in line for an interminable amount of time at a big guy store.

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. Customer service is on site.

And, isn’t just plain cool to take a nostalgic stroll through yesteryears and recall shopping in our local downtowns and villages — before the big guys arrived? It just feels so good for so many of us who remember and embrace those quaint times of yore.

After the rush and crush of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday should be an enjoyable shopping experience and one that benefits all involved. But don’t stop there. One day 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. Once you’ve found your favorites, keep it up all year long.

Clearly, Small Business Saturday has come a long way since its humble beginnings 15 years ago. It’s grown to become an integral part of the opening act of the holiday shopping experience across the nation. Do you part to support your community retailers — fellow citizens and quite often friends.