Small Business Saturday Moves Morristown

The weather was cold, but that wasn't stopping excited patrons from lining up in front of Century 21 Store on the Morristown Green or at the Morristown Partnership office before 10 a.m. in anticipation of their opening.

Savvy shoppers were out early to take advantage of Small Business Saturday by shopping locally in Morristown. Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife Mary were out shopping early as were dozens of hustling visitors and residents.

American Express and Patch paid for parking on all the meters in town, giving folks a chance to spend a little extra coin in the local stores, rather than plopping it into the parking meter.

"I am very thankful that the Patch stays on top of what is going on in Morristown and not only helps keep us informed, but invests in the town," Dougherty said. "And we really appreciate the gesture."

The Morristown Partnership's annual Gift Greenbacks program continued to be a success as the partnership was still offering an additional $20 of gift money for every $50 purchased (while supplies lasted). 

More than 200 Morristown businesses honor the gift certificates, which are valid for one year.

Small Business Saturday is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.

American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Celebrating its fourth year this Saturday, the event consistently attracts more than 100 million people.

Locally owned businesses across the country now take part in Small Business Saturday, offering their own deals to rival those offered the day before on Black Friday.