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By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer

Small businesses are some of the most cherished businesses in Shelby County. Some carry items that couldn’t be found in larger stores like Target.

Not that we don’t love Target, we do. However, shopping at a small business can be a unique experience for any shopper, especially during the holiday season.

This time of year, larger chain stores bring in thousands of shoppers searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. A lot of the time, the small boutiques and specialized stores are forgotten about.

While Target and Walmart can have amazing deals, smaller stores hold a special place for shoppers looking for that perfect gift.

Small businesses often carry handcrafter or curated merchandise that can be more difficult to find at big box stores. The experience is different too as owners and their employees can provide a more customized shopping experience to each customer.

A lot of us are connected to these business owners in some way too. They’re your friend or neighbor, maybe a member of your church’s congregation or your child’s best friend’s parent—in some way we’re all connected. These owners put time and effort into learning how to better serve you, which is something we can take for granted at times.

Small business owners are the backbone of our city chambers and the unique culture of Shelby County. By shopping small, we are directly supporting our local community and the dreams and hard work of entrepreneurs.

Something we admire about Shelby County is the dedication everyone has to supporting each other, which is something we hope can be carried into the holiday season.

A few small businesses to consider spending time in during your holiday shopping, and year-round shopping trips of course, are Frou Frou in Alabaster, Fuzzy Buttz in Calera, Creations Galore and More in Calera and Helena Hardware in Helena. These are just a few ideas to explore while beginning your holiday shopping.

Remember to shop small this holiday season. While you’re looking to purchase a gift, you’re giving the gift of your business to a member of your community.