I’ve always enjoyed frequenting small businesses: record stores, clothing shops, convenience stores and more.

Sure, there are times when I visit the big-name shopping outlets when I need to buy in bulk or can’t find items in the smaller stores, but it isn’t as appealing to me. The employees at the “mom-and-pop” shops either know your name or give you a wave and nod of the head as you walk through the doors.

They also need your monetary support if they are to stay in business.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday throughout the nation and Redmond Mayor John Marchione issued a proclamation for the local area. He urges residents to “think Redmond” and to support small businesses and merchants tomorrow and throughout the year.

I agree. Pay a visit to some smaller shops tomorrow, give them a hand with some purchases to keep them going in these times when we have more choices than ever where we can buy products.

Running a small business takes guts and passion. I’ve known people who have run their own businesses; some have flourished, others have fallen short. My wife and I thought about opening a pub once, but we bowed out when we realized the amount of work it would take to go into business. We weren’t made for that sort of lifestyle, but many others are and I feel we should support them the whole way.

To me, these small businesses are a second home, and over the years (starting when I was a kid) I’ve spent hours upon hours in those shops. I’ve hung out with friends and employees, asked tons of questions about items and, sure, probably was a nuisance sometimes, but those visits were and still are a major part of my life. I’ve made friends within those walls and have even acted as an employee at times by giving my opinions on certain items if people needed a hand.

There’s a family-like atmosphere in those smaller shops, most notably the specialty shops where you feel you can relate to most of the people in there. You belong, and that’s an important feeling for a kid during my formative years, and even as an adult.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. Lend a hand. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something important.