In an attempt to support local retailers that form the backbone of the community, Small Business Saturday returns this year on November 25, the weekend after Thanksgiving. The aim of this nationwide effort is to encourage people to shop small and local.

In a report by The National Retail Federation published in Forbes, approximately 99 percent of the nation’s retail establishments are considered small businesses and have perhaps less than 50 employees.

Here’s why I think it could be a good idea to shop local this Christmas:

According to the Small Business Administration, purchasing gifts from local retailer helps create jobs in the community.

The 28 million small businesses in America account for over 50 percent of the sales, giving way to a lot of jobs.

It is the best way to give back to your community and introduces you to what gives each town its own distinct personality and character.

Shopping small helps save money in the term of shorter travel times and keep taxes local which in turn can be used to support local schools, municipalities and other public services. It is also a more convenient option in comparison to travelling out of town where higher taxes spent in shopping out-of-town which means higher cost for the items you buy.

Small businesses have a variety of unique products. Where else can you find handicrafts, quirky gift items and locally made items? This can be your best bet for getting your hands on many unique and custom made gifts many other businesses just won’t carry.

These independent businesses add to the uniqueness and diversity of the community and it would be impossible for them to thrive without our support.