WAILUKU – The County of Maui Office of Economic Development will partner with the Maui Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the Shop Small Maui campaign, highlighted by Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s part of the national, year-round celebration of small business owners that encourages residents and visitors to support stores in Maui County by shopping locally this holiday season rather than shopping online or at national mega retailers.

There are more than 250 merchants participating in Shop Small Maui – many displaying a poster outside or inside their businesses.

Mayor Michael Victorino strongly supports the campaign. “A strong economy makes for a strong community. So, I strongly encourage everyone to do their holiday shopping locally,” he said.

Office of Economic Development Director Kay Fukumoto said, “We can all have a major impact on our community by making conscious decisions as to where we shop every day and especially during the holidays. Shop Small Maui, and in particular Small Business Saturday, empower us as consumers to support our local businesses and keep dollars and economic activities flowing back into our local economy.”

Shop Small Maui welcomes small businesses owned and registered in Maui County to join the campaign throughout the year by signing up online at www.shopsmallmaui.com. For more information, contact OED Business Development Specialist Tokie Ogawa at 270-7415.