Black Friday is upon us, and I, for one, am going to try to avoid the crowds. But if you do go shopping today, I hope you’ll spend some time in Cambridge and Somerville’s small businesses. The lines will be shorter, your gifts will feel more personal, and you’ll contribute to our local economy.
The East Cambridge Business Association and the Somerville Business & Professional Association both maintain lists of their members, so you can find local businesses more easily. And remember, our local businesses are more than just places to buy gifts: these organizations include some of our communities’ best restaurants, and every shopaholic needs a bite to eat (you’re not supposed to literally shop ’til you drop).
The big box stores in our neighborhoods offer a huge array of gift options, but don’t overlook the little guys. To paraphrase an old saying, the best gifts come from small businesses.