During the weekend following Thanksgiving, stores in Beaufort County, around the state and around the country celebrated small, local business owners.

Nationally, it was Small Business Saturday, and for the Washington area, it was Buy Local Day. No matter what the name, the same message applied: support local businesses.

However, this message should apply all year round and especially throughout the holiday season.

The holidays are the biggest time of year for retailers — many times, the profit margin during November and December can make or break a business. While all sales contribute to a local economy, it is important to remember “the little guys,” the stores run by friends and neighbors who are guaranteed to put that profit back into the surrounding community.

Without these mom-and-pop locations, Washington would just be another small city in America. Washington wouldn’t be Washington; Belhaven wouldn’t be Belhaven; Bath wouldn’t be Bath. … You get the idea.

Harold Robinson, executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance, said it best in a previous column: “You have heard me say many times that Washington is the best, and that will never change, but now, we need to prove it. Adversity may build character, but it also will expose character. Together, we are Washington. Let us all help our downtown businesses and restaurants and also have a great holiday season together.”

Small businesses offer more personal customer service and the option of finding gifts that are not found anywhere else. These businesses offer a way for residents and out-of-towners to make connections and really see what Beaufort County has to offer. Those benefits are not something one usually experiences with big chain stores.

It is important to note that the big businesses are important, too, and the Washington area should be grateful to have them operating here. Friends and neighbors make a living at these larger retailers, as well.

However, the small, local businesses deserve support — especially from those who live right around the corner. Don’t forget to shop local this holiday season and all year round.