Shopping small can make a big impact.

This weekend consumers around the nation are encouraged to shop small by supporting local, independent businesses as part of Small Business Saturday.

It’s fitting that Small Business Saturday is sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The position helps illustrate what independent small businesses are up against: big box stores and online retailers.

For many years, big stores across the state line have drawn consumers out of Park County. In today’s market, rural retailers also face competition from a multitude of online businesses who deliver right to a shopper’s doorstep.

Though they face giant competitors, we believe in locally owned businesses. And we appreciate everything they do for our community.

If a sports team or youth organization needs financial assistance, local businesses are there to help. When a fundraiser is organized for a local resident struggling with medical costs, small businesses pitch in. Not only do they add to the town’s economic health, but these businesses make Powell a richer community by continually supporting the people who live here.

Consider how many Powell-area residents depend on small businesses for their livelihood. If you don’t work in health care, government, education or for a major energy company, it’s likely you work for a small business.

This is a time of year when most of us shop more. When making your holiday shopping lists and tallying your budget, think about what you can buy locally. You may be surprised at the variety of items available — and how much you can save in shipping costs and fuel prices — by shopping at a Park County business instead of heading online or over the state line.

Americans have made Black Friday and Cyber Monday two of the biggest shopping days of the year. We encourage you to stop by local stores this weekend to make Small Business Saturday a success.