Here in New Orleans we are very lucky to live in a city that values and supports authentic, small businesses. We are strict on chains and don’t allow many of them to clutter our beloved, historic neighborhoods. After the chaos of a day like Black Friday, it is so important to support those small businesses that make our city so special, and Small Business Saturday is just extra incentive to do so. New Orleans is known for being one of the best cities for shopping, and it’s because shopping choices here are unique, varied, and a welcome change from the same ol’ chain stores and malls.

With tourism being our number one industry, out-of-towners continue to provide important support to our local small businesses, but our support as New Orleanians is just as necessary. The holidays are here, and what better way to cross people off your list than to hit up those shops on Magazine Street you’ve been meaning to stop into, or pick up that New Orleans artwork your mom was eyeing on Royal street?

Whether you’re shopping in Uptown, the French Quarter, or anywhere else around town, allow yourself to be reminded about, and truly enjoy, the one-of-a-kind stores and vendors that we are lucky to have here in New Orleans. Just think — many towns across this country are limited to strip malls! Just as we do with our music, festivals, and culinary culture, let’s not forget to support our local businesses. And if you see some tourists doing holiday shopping of their own while they are here visiting for the holidays, give them a local tip on some of your favorite shops; our local businesses thrive off of support from locals and visitors alike.

What local New Orleans business will you stop into first on Small Business Saturday?