The biggest shopping day of the year is quickly followed by a big day for small businesses. Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been deemed Small Business Saturday, a day in which customers are encouraged to support local small businesses.

The modern customer wants to be near vital downtowns,” said one expert. Some North Jersey towns have Small Business Saturday events Nov. 30.

After you wake up early on Black Friday to get the best deals that big box retailers have to offer, make sure to save some energy to support your local stores on “.” Fifteen years ago, American Express created a day for independent businesses — the Saturday after Thanksgiving.