With this being an extremely rough year for small businesses, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday represent the ideal time to show your support and ensure that your favorite store is still open next year, writes Elizabeth Wellington for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“In this current environment, how we shop during the holiday season will play an enormous role in which shops will still be here at the end of the pandemic,” said Adam Leiter, executive director of the EPABID.

With so many small businesses launching their websites, shopping online locally has never been easier. But if you prefer to go in person, then ensure to make an appointment due to the limits in place on the number of shoppers in a store.

Also do post online about your purchases, because social media posts help drive holiday sales for businesses.

Alternatively if you really do not feel like going out right now, buy a gift card. That way you still support a business and provide a gift recipient with a fun future shopping experience.

Read more about how to support local small businesses at The Philadelphia Inquirer.