By Bobby Tingle

Small Business Saturday should be a household name just like Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day. Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season each year when we all engage in Christmas shopping for family and friends and self.

Toy stores gear up for shoppers seeking toys for boys and girls ranging in age from just born to extra mature.

Small Business Saturday follows Black Friday. It is the day set aside especially for local businesses to be remembered by local shoppers. The fact is if you skip Black Friday and go straight to Small Business Saturday you will do yourself and your neighbors a huge favor.

Where would you shop?

Let’s start our tour down Green Avenue where you can by a new Ford, a Maytag appliance, a zero turn mower or some of the finest in Home décor and furniture. Take a left on Simmons and you will be headed toward one of the premiere stores around offering western wear, boots, jewelry and the latest in men’s and women’s fashion apparel. On the other side of I-10 at 16^th Street, stop buy and find some fine power tools sure to please builders and fixers. Don’t forget your manicure and pedicure at one of many local pampering shops while you decide if you want Mexican or barbecue for dinner.

Maybe you need a battery or new paint to update your home going South. Or stop in and check out a new Toyota before your look through the items that may be a little bit gaudy.

Many of us are taking advantage of ‘Harvey’ discounts when we replace our mattress or favorite model from Chevrolet. Down the road you can spruce up the dinner table with a nice flower arrangement or spruce up your finger, arm or neck with diamonds. Take a ride across Cow Bayou where you can enjoy your favorite coffee drink and pastry or find a hidden treasure to accent your home. Get a new set of tires while you are there and on the way back stop in and find a golden gem.

There are many other possibilities along the way.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping at one of the many local businesses this year!

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader. You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.